Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world. Common stress reactions include tension, irritability, inability to concentrate, and a variety of physical symptoms that include headache and a fast heartbeat.
It's almost impossible to live without some stress. And most of us wouldn't want to, because it gives life some spice and excitement. But if stress gets out of control, it may harm your health, your relationships, and your enjoyment of life.
When you really understand stress the words below become truth.
"If you ask what the single most important key to longevity is, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn't ask me, I'd still have to say it."
The Different Types of Stress
There are four main types of stress that people experience.
Eustress
Eustress is a type of short-term stress that provides immediate strength. Eustress arises at points of increased physical activity, enthusiasm, and creativity. Eustress is a positive stress that arises when motivation and inspiration are needed. A gymnast experiences eustress before a competition.
Distress
Distress is a negative stress brought about by constant readjustments or alterations in a routine. Distress creates feelings of discomfort and unfamiliarity. There are two types of distress. Acute stress is an intense stress that arrives and disappears quickly. Chronic stress is a prolonged stress that exists for weeks, months, or even years. Someone who is constantly relocating or changing jobs may experience distress.
Hyperstress
Hyperstress occurs when an individual is pushed beyond what he or she can handle. Hyperstress results from being overloaded or overworked. When someone is hyperstressed, even little things can trigger a strong emotional response. A Wall Street trader is likely to experience hyperstress.
Hypostress
Hypostress is the opposite of hyperstress. Hypostress occurs when an individual is bored or unchallenged. People who experience hypostress are often restless and uninspired. A factory worker who performs repetitive tasks might experience hypostress.
How to Tackle Stress
In the past interventions have mainly been as effective as, "closing the stable door after the horse has bolted", at which point monetary cost to the organisation, per employee, is inevitably high.
There is now a recognized way forward, which is already proven on a monetary level alone to provide a high return on the initial investment - a ratio reported as high as 1:9 (that is £9 re-couped for every £1 invested) in some companies.
Primary - eliminate or reduce the sources of stress by assessing risks and changing the environment (physical and mental).
Secondary - help managers and individuals understand stress and its causes and effects and to take actions to avoid and manage stress.
Tertiary - assist individuals suffering from stress usually with an emphasis on altering the individual's situation or perception rather than addressing the cause
Causes of Stress
The HSE has identified a range of risk factors summarized in the following groupings
? Demands - issues like workload, work patterns and the work environment
? Control - how much "say" a person has in the way they do their work
? Support - encouragement, sponsorship and resources provided by the organisation, line management and colleagues
? Relationship - negative working relationships, conflict and unacceptable behavior
? Role - lack of clarity or conflicting roles
? Change - the management and communication of organizational change (large and small)
Some of the most common stressors at work are acknowledged as:
? Poor communication
? Poorly managed change
? Little or no consultation
? Highly autocratic/directive management style
? Rigidity of structure and decision making
? Bullying and harassment
? Workload
? Lack of information or training
? Lack of clear instructions
? Lack of clarity in role, responsibilities or authority
? Lack of policies, procedures and systems to deal with issues at an early stage or to deal effectively with any grievance, so try to overcome these facts.
Benefits of Tackling Stress
Although not all the benefits can be tangibly calculated they will all impact on the business and deliver real benefits? In summary these include:
? Reduced staff costs and lower staff turnover
? More motivated and productive staff
? Higher morale, commitment and feelings of self worth
? Higher productivity
? Improved return on investment in training and development
? Change is more easily introduced
? Improved employee relations
? Improved customer care
? Better absence management, fewer days lost to sickness and absenteeism and therefore reduced costs of sick pay
? Retention of knowledge and skills base
? Reduced number of accidents
? Improved quality
? Reduced costs of sickness cover/overtime
? Reduced costs of recruitment
? Less likelihood of compensation claims being made and better defence against any such claim
? Strengthened position with regard to employer's liability insurance
? Improved quality of working life
? Improved health and well being
? Employees are happier
? Lower risk of claims
? Greater job satisfaction
Above all these may helpful you for the Personal Development, Coaching & Mentoring.
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