Put the various symptoms of stress listed below into the correct group - Export

Put the various symptoms of stress listed below into the correct group.

[2.01]

Physical

anxiety

[2.02]

headaches

feeling angry

loss of interest in hobbies

[2.03]

loss of appetite

absenteeism

aggressive behaviour

Psychological

depression

excessive smoking

constant tiredness excessive drinking

digestive problems

Behavioural

fear of the future skin problems

unable to concentrate

Have you experienced any of these recently? If so, was it work-related? Did it affect your work?

Insert the ideas for dealing with stress into column A to match the explanations in column B. Learn to relax

Acceptance

Reduce competitiveness

Quiet time

Reduce time urgency A

3.01

3.02

3.03

3.04

3.05

3.06

3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10

3.11 3.12

3.13

Get organised Sensible diet

Talk to friends

Exercise

Meditation Positive attitude

Rational self-talk Smile

B

Ask yourself what real impact the stressful situation will have on you in a day/week/month and try to minimise negative thoughts. Balance your family, social and work demands with private time. Make time for fun – it’s just as important as work or study. Unwind by taking a quiet stroll, having a warm oil massage, watching the sunset or listening to some soothing music. Daily doses of conversation, regular social engagements and occasional sharing of deep feelings and thoughts can reduce stress quite nicely. This relaxes all the major facial muscles and sets off an emotional chain reaction that makes you feel good – and it costs nothing :-) Always look on the bright side of life! It will give you the mental strength and determination to take stress as part of life and manage it effectively. Many people get stressed over things they can do nothing to change. Let go and take things as they are – who’s to say what is good or bad? Deep breathing exercises, muscle tension reduction exercises, mini-breaks throughout the day; these can all help to reduce stress. Physical activity has always helped to reduce stress particularly as part of a regular program. Not every situation you face requires you to win or lose. Take things as they come and react accordingly. Develop a realistic schedule of daily activities that includes time for work, sleep, relationships and recreation. Use your time and energy as efficiently as possible. Well-balanced meals, minimise alcohol consumption and try to stop smoking – you need to be mentally and physically alert to deal with stress. Switch off by concentrating on a movement, a sound, an image or a thought. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Do you frequently check your watch and worry about deadlines? Learn to take things a bit slower. Allow plenty of time to get things done and plan your schedule ahead of time.

Action plan! Select the ideas that you feel would be most effective for you and make a commitment to putting them into practice from tomorrow!