Stess Management

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength"
-Corrie Ten Boom

Symptoms of Stress

• Irritability
• Agitation
• Anxiousness
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Problems concentrating
• Change in sleeping and eating patterns
• Frequent headaches, backaches

Some Questions to Consider

• How much control do you have over the stressor?
• Can you change the situation or must you change your behavior or reaction to the situation?
• What are the steps you can take to make changes?
• What are alternative reactions and/or behaviors?

Stress Management for Organizations

• Build a social support system among members. Provide members time to socialize and encourage them to work together
• Give members a sense of control within the organization
• Be flexible with work styles when putting together a program
• Combat negativity among members
• Work with members to create goals. People are more involved with goals they set themselves
• Create an environment in which everyone feels valuable and respected
• Make a conscious effort to have fun
• Ask members what they think is fun
• Devise activities that are fun and encourage social interaction among members

Stress Reducers

• Deep breathing
• Exercise
• Laughing
• Playing
• Talking with a friend
• Take time to appreciate your surroundings
• Daydream
• Think positive thoughts
• Think about things that have gone well
• Get enough sleep
• Eat a healthy diet
• Accept that neither you nor the world is perfect
• Work through feelings of anger, sadness, and fear rather than ignoring them
• Don't take life too seriously
• Do something you can be proud of
• Remember that even the small things count as accomplishments
• Be patient and forgiving with yourself
• Reward yourself for your efforts
• Get a massage
• Stretch
• Smile
• Do something kind for someone else
• Cultivate and maintain hobbies you find calming
• Write down what is bothering you
• Avoid procrastination
• Practice effective time management

Resources:
Watts, Patti. "Beating Burnout." Executive Female. Jan./Feb. 1990. 38+.
"All work and no play...Isn't even good for work." Psychology Today. March 1989. 34+