This document discusses stress versus wellbeing. It notes that stress is the body's damaging response to experiences, while wellbeing allows for creativity, positive thinking, and rational thoughts. Statistics are provided showing high levels of stress among managers and citizens. Common stress triggers and the fight or flight response are explained. Long-term stress can lead to health issues like heart disease or depression. The document recommends strategies for reducing stress and promoting wellbeing, such as changing one's perspective, using relaxation techniques, taking breaks, and focusing on gratitude. Ultimately, practicing wellbeing is said to result in positivity, energy, and profitability.

1. Stress vs. Wellbeing
Fear vs. Adapting
Delivered by:
Thérèse Hackett, Ciúnas
For: Leitrim Business Network
April 2012

2. Asset Management
You are the greatest asset in your business
You are the most important aspect of your
customers’ experience of your business
You are your business brand
How do you invest in this asset?

3. What is stress?
Stress is the damage to your body in response to
your experience.
HSE UK definition: The adverse reaction people
have to excessive pressure or other types of
demands placed on them.
Wellbeing allows ideas to form

4. Stress Statistics?
4 out of 5 people suffer from stress (W Health Org)
Senior Mgrs in Ireland are so stressed that they
have a lower qualify of life than the terminally ill.
(Article from People Mgmt Mag 2006: Research by Kieran O’Boyle Professor
of Psychology at the Royal College of Surgeons)
73% of Americans name money as No 1 factor
affecting stress (American Psychological Association 2004)
Wellbeing leads to Empowerment

5. Stress Triggers?
If you are waiting for your
situation/environment to improve so
that you feel better about
yourself, you’ve put yourself in a very
“powerless and stressful” place.
Wellbeing leads to Positive Thinking

6. Stress Triggers?
• The Event
• Your perception of it
• Your body’s reaction to your perception of it (fight or
flight response)
You have no control over the event – BUT
You can control your perception of the event & your
response.
Stress Triggers are different for everyone
Wellbeing leads to Creativity

7. Fight / flight response
1. Hypothalamus
Secretes hormone
corticotrophin-releasing-
factor (CRF) which
activates the pituitary 3. Adrenal gland
gland. Also Secretes hormones;
releases endorphins •cortisol
•adrenaline
•noradrenaline
2. Pituitary Gland
Secretes
adrenocorticotrophin
(ACTH) which activates the
adrenal gland
Wellbeing calmness Solutions

8. Result of fight or flight response
• Immune system suppressed
• Cortisol turns carbohydrates into sugar (good
in the short-term)
• Can withstand pain
• Increases blood pressure & heart rate
Wellbeing creates rational Thoughts

9. Result of fight or flight response
• Airways widen to improve breathing
• Blood flow increased to our large muscles
• Blood vessels narrow in digestive system and
in the rational parts of the brain
• Experience a high – can be addictive.
BODY MUST HAVE RECOVERY TIME - 20 minutes
NB: LONG-TERM EXPOSURE = “BURN OUT”
Wellbeing = Health

10. Responses vary but examples are:
• Anti-social, Difficulty concentrating
• Excessive alcohol and/or food intake
• Feeling “out of control”, very sensitive
• Aggressive, panic attacks
• Worry
• Perspiration, negative internal dialogue
• Constant tiredness, Irritability, Insomnia
Your body is signalling you – how do you respond?
Wellbeing leads to Focus

11. Responses vary but examples are:
• Depression, back pain, shoulder pain
• Susceptibility to flu and other viruses
• Stomach problems, e.g. IBS, Ulcers
• Headaches, High Blood pressure
• Collapse
• Heart disease
Your body is signalling you – how do you respond?
Wellbeing creates Energy

12. Wellbeing strategies
• Change state, e.g.
– Breathing exercises – yoga, pilates
– Active relaxation – meditation
– Sport, Gardening
– Laughter / Fun
• Take breaks – know when to stop!
– Do something different
– Talk to someone who understands
Wellbeing leads to Productivity

13. Wellbeing strategies
• Change your perspective
– Get into the “Present”
– What can I do right now?
– What are my opportunities right now?
– What do I have control over right now?
• List your resources and skills
• Become proactive as opposed to reactive
• Be grateful
• Use external supports, e.g.
Coaching, Massage, Reflexology, Healing

14. Wellbeing

15. Wellbeing strategies: Big Picture
• We create our lives through our thoughts and
consequently through our choices and actions
• What are your thoughts?
• Be your life designer - What do you really want
to create?
Wellbeing leads to Profitability

16. Wellbeing leads to:
Positivity Energy
Calmness Relaxation
Focus Fun
Solutions Action
Creativity Empowerment
Productivity Profit
Happiness Health