Employee Assistance ● 2222 Bancroft Way, Suite 3100 ● Berkeley, CA 94720
Phone: 510-643-7754 ● Email: employeeassistance@berkeley.edu
Web site:
https://uhs.berkeley.edu/bewellatwork/employee-assistance
uhs.berkeley.edu/bewellatwork
Email:
employeeassistance@berkeley.edu
An Overview of Stress
We all experience stress at one time or another. Stress is a normal reaction to positive and
negative changes. It affects our bodies, emotions, thoughts and behaviors. The effects of stress
can be positive, negative or a combination of the two. For example, stress can motivate you
and improve your concentration, or it can paralyze your ability to accomplish anything at all.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Stress?
The following are feelings, thoughts and behaviors many of us experience at some time. If you
have several of these symptoms and they linger or keep recurring, it is probably a sign of stress.
Get to know your own pattern of reacting to stress so you can notice it early and work to
reduce it before it gets worse.
Physical Signs
•
Tiredness or fatigue
•
Headache, aches and pains
•
Feeling tense
•
Muscle spasms
•
Rapid heart beat
•
Heavy perspiration or cold sweat
•
Stomach and digestive problems
•
Nausea or dizziness
•
Heightened alertness or energy
Emotional Signs
•
Anxiety or fearfulness
•
Loneliness or helplessness
•
Feeling on edge or apprehensive
•
Easily frustrated or upset
•
Feeling pressured or pressed for time
•
Restlessness or listlessness
•
Feeling incompetent or inadequate
•
Feeling trapped or stuck
•
Angers easily
•
Dreading going to work
•
Feeling unappreciated
•
Sadness and depression
•
Alienation and isolation
•
Feeling guilty
•
Losing interest in people and things
•
Mood swings
Employee Assistance ● 2222 Bancroft Way, Suite 3100 ● Berkeley, CA 94720
Phone: 510-643-7754 ● Email: employeeassistance@berkeley.edu
Web site:
https://uhs.berkeley.edu/bewellatwork/employee-assistance
uhs.berkeley.edu/bewellatwork
Email:
employeeassistance@berkeley.edu
Cognitive Signs
•
Trouble concentrating
•
Daydreaming
•
Thinking the same thing over and over
•
Increased focus and concentration
•
Confusion and forgetfulness
•
Trouble remembering things
•
Dulled thinking
Behavioral Signs
•
Missing deadlines
•
Following rules rigidly
•
Being extra-productive
•
Making more mistakes than usual
•
Increased aggression
•
Using alcohol, drugs and cigarettes
•
Change in eating or sleeping habits
What Causes Stress in the Workplace?
•
Unrealistic expectations
•
Too much to do or too little time to complete assignments
•
Change in supervisor
•
Change in job responsibilities or classification
•
Job burn-out or lack of challenge
•
Lack of appreciation or acknowledgement
•
Performance appraisal, raise, promotion or demotion
•
Interpersonal conflict
•
Pressures and deadlines
•
Financial cutbacks, hiring freezes, layoffs and job insecurity
•
Lack of information needed for your job
•
Miscommunications among staff
•
Illness or death of a co-worker
•
Changes or problems at home
What Can I Do to Prevent or Reduce Stress?
Watch for negative thinking
Notice how you talk to yourself about yourself, others and the world around you. Try not to
repeat negative thoughts to yourself; instead, try to substitute neutral or positive thoughts.
Employee Assistance ● 2222 Bancroft Way, Suite 3100 ● Berkeley, CA 94720
Phone: 510-643-7754 ● Email: employeeassistance@berkeley.edu
Web site:
https://uhs.berkeley.edu/bewellatwork/employee-assistance
uhs.berkeley.edu/bewellatwork
Email:
employeeassistance@berkeley.edu
Communicate clearly
Speak your mind without making accusations. Let others know when they make you
uncomfortable. Take responsibility for your own feelings.
Don't overlook your own needs
Especially when you are focusing on the needs of someone else, who may appear needier than
you. It is stressful to care for someone who is sick or dependent. Don't try to make too many
changes or accomplish too much at once.
Make a list of priorities. Break things down into manageable pieces. Set limits.
Exercise moderately at least two to three times a week. Find a physical activity you really enjoy.
A brisk walk at lunchtime can be a big help.
Take care of yourself
Maintain a healthy diet. Caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes and drugs all contribute to stress. Get
plenty of sleep. Don't forget to laugh, play and have fun.
Mindfulness and Relaxation
Practice deep breathing, visualization, meditation, yoga, stretching or some other technique
that helps you relax. Try to let go of what's bothering you.
Go to a movie, read a good book, solve a puzzle, take a break from whatever is causing you
stress. When you are feeling more relaxed you will have an easier time finding concrete
solutions to your problems.
Get support
Identify co-workers, friends and family you trust and can talk to. Make social plans with them.
Use the phone to reach out when you are feeling overwhelmed. Talk about your feelings,
positive and negative.
Employee Assistance staff are available to meet with employees or family
members who are experiencing difficulties. Call for a free, confidential
appointment at 510-643-7754
Dostları ilə paylaş: |