The document summarizes a presentation on communication skills and stress management. It includes sections on defining stress, types of stress, causes of stress, signs of stress, stress management techniques like the ABC strategy of awareness, balance, and control, and ways to change thinking, behavior, and lifestyle to manage stress. The presentation provides information on stress and strategies for reducing and preventing stress through lifestyle changes.
4. Presentation Outline
What is stress
Types of stress
Cause of stress
Signs of stress
Process of stress management
Benefits of stress management
Conclusion
5. I HATE YOU
What Is stress ?
Stress is the “wear and tear” our minds and
bodies experience as we attempt to cope
with our continually changing environment
6. What is stress
S = P > R
Stress occurs when the pressure is
greater than the resource
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17. Types of stress
• Positive stress
• Negative stress
Let me think….
19. Causes of stress
While incarcerated prisoners make
twenty decisions a day, those of us
walking the streets make one
hundred & twenty decisions a day.
-Prison Fellowship
20. Causes of stress
• Physical Environment
• Emotional
• Thinking
• Behavioural
• Spiritual
I got it……….
33. Benefits of Stress
Management
• Physical health gets better
-more energy and stamina
• Emotions stabilized
-positive attitude
-hopeful/happier
• Ability to focus improved
-able to learn and achieve
The only person without stress is a dead person………..hans selye (father os stress research)
Like the weight on the bridge, stress is the pressure in our lives. A small amount of pressure can show us what we are capable of. It can actually help to make us stronger.
But when the pressure gets more intense, we can ‘bend’ and ‘strain’ like the bridge. We may start to feel unwell or anxious, or we might become irritable or unable to think clearly.
Sometimes the stress is too much and we feel like our lives are going to fall apart
If nothing is done, people can fall apart
Stress is pressure in our lives. A little pressure can be a good thing – it can help us perform better and make us stronger. Too much pressure, however, can make us feel as if we’re under strain, or even breaking
Stress can be caused by anything and it is usually the combination of many little things that determines our stress levels.
Causes of stress can include
Pressure to perform at work
Long working hours
Continuous deadlines
Arguments
Financial difficulties
Relationship problems
Communication difficulties
Physical problems
Worries/anxiety
Stress affects everyone in different ways. Sometimes you may not notice that stress is affecting you until you notice small changes in your behavior or your health.
Stress can affect our physical health; how we feel, think, and act; our spirituality; and how we relate to other people. The ‘damage’ that stress can cause includes:
Mistakes and accidents (these are often due to fatigue or to trying to do things too quickly);
Making poor decisions;
Increased risk of various illnesses;
Arguments and relationship problems; and
Exhaustion and burnout.
No-one is immune from the effects of stress, but different people are affected in different ways. Signs of stress can show up in our bodies, feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and spirituality.
Weight gain/loss
Unexpected hair loss
Heart palpitations
High blood pressure
2. Emotional
Mood swings
Anxiety
Can lead to depression
Can also lead to unhealthy coping strategies (i.e. alcohol, drugs, etc)
These are all normal signs, found among many people who experience stress. They do not mean that you are weak or unable to cope. However, if you feel your stress symptoms are very severe, or significantly interfering with your life, consider getting help.
Finally, as stress accumulates and stays at high levels for long periods of time, humanitarian workers are at increased risk of experiencing burnout. Burnout is a type of stress reaction linked to long-term exposure to work-related stressors.
Identify the problem as early as possible.
Specify the problem accurately. Try to break it down into its different parts. What exactly is causing the problem?
‘Brainstorm’ solutions. This means listing as many ideas as possible, without dismissing any that you think would not work. At this stage don’t consider whether they are good or bad ideas, just list them all. Sometimes listing a silly or impossible idea triggers us to think of one which is possible.
List the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
Choose the best solution or combination of solutions.
Try out the solution.
Review the problem-solving process. How well did the solution work? If it did not work well, consider what you could do differently another time.
Many people have a negative view of assertiveness and think that it means demanding that you get your own way. This is especially true in certain cultures and faith groups where people believe that it is good to be modest and deferential and never say ‘no’ to the requests of other people.
In fact, assertiveness is related to:
Respecting and valuing other people and yourself;
Listening to other people;
Communicating honestly and clearly about your views and needs;
Being able to politely say ‘no’ to requests when you want to.
When you are assertive you clearly and honestly communicate your views and needs without anger or aggression, and also listen to and respect other people’s point of view.
Identify the problem as early as possible.
Specify the problem accurately. Try to break it down into its different parts. What exactly is causing the problem?
‘Brainstorm’ solutions. This means listing as many ideas as possible, without dismissing any that you think would not work. At this stage don’t consider whether they are good or bad ideas, just list them all. Sometimes listing a silly or impossible idea triggers us to think of one which is possible.
List the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
Choose the best solution or combination of solutions.
Try out the solution.
Review the problem-solving process. How well did the solution work? If it did not work well, consider what you could do differently another time.
Be self-aware, and spot when you have symptoms of stress. Use this as a warning sign to encourage you to take stock and look after yourself.
Physical exercise enhances mood and helps to relieve tension. Find an activity you enjoy (e.g. walking, swimming, running, cycling, playing sport, an aerobic video, gardening, or chopping wood).
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins. Ensure you are eating enough (for energy), but don’t overeat. Drink plenty of water.
Relaxation exercises can help your body feel more relaxed and take away aches and pains. Try tensing and relaxing your muscle groups (e.g. your hands, then your eyes, mouth, stomach, toes etc). Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake, as these tend to magnify feelings of stress or depression.
Get enough sleep. Stress is tiring, so you may need to sleep for longer than usual. Having a banana or cup of milk before bed may help.
How can you communicate assertively?
Assertiveness can feel difficult to put into practice, but it’s not a complicated concept. It involves:
Speaking about your own feelings about a situation, circumstance, or behavior using the formula, “I feel… when… because…”;
Expressing what you would like to see happen instead (e.g., “I would appreciate it if…”);
Being polite, clear, and honest; and
Giving the other person a chance to speak, and listening to them with respect.