Employee Handbook section about stress Define stress Stress is a reaction which occurs when our bodies fail to manage or to respond to an emotional...
Employee Handbook section about stress Define stressStress is a reaction which occurs when our bodies fail to manage or to respond to an emotional or physical events that happened (Introduction to Psychology, n.d.).
Summary of our body’s reaction to stress—including changes to the nervous system, hormones, and heart.The body is created in a way that it can fight, adapt or react to unusual events such as stress. Speaking of stress, the body has a way of adaptation which is in the form of three stages. Those stages are general alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion. (Introduction to Psychology, n.d.)
Stage oneIn the stage one called general alarm, the body tries to release stress hormones including cortisol. When it fails to face a stressor event, a response is sent to the nervous system. Immediately, the hypothalamus starts to secrete releasing hormones. Those releasing hormones are the ones to direct the pituitary gland to release the hormone ACTH. That ACTH directs the adrenal gland to secrete hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that releases sugars into the blood thus preparing the body to respond to the threat. In case the stress experience is prolonged, the adrenal continue to release cortisol. (Introduction to Psychology, n.d.)
Adrenaline and cortisol hormones make the heart beat feaster than usual, respiration rate to increase, blood vessels in the arms and legs to dilate, the digestive process to change and glucose levels (sugar energy) in the bloodstream to increase to deal with the emergency. (Introduction to Psychology, n.d.)
Stage twoIn the second stage called resistance, the body tries to adapt so as to return to its normal functionality. Here, it secretes more hormones to increase the glucose level so as to sustain energy, the blood pressure also increases. (Introduction to Psychology, n.d.)
Stage threeIn the third stage which also the last one, the body runs out of its reserves energy. The glucose level and blood pressure decrease. Its organs became weak and this is very dangerous because it leads to stress intolerance, illness and sometimes death may occur. (Introduction to Psychology, n.d.)
Positive thinking OptimismOptimism is believing in the positive outcomes or the positive side of anything. It is believing that everything will be fine.
Self-efficacyThe ability to believe ourselves that we are able to produce the outcomes we need.
HardinessThis is the ability to face difficulties and to overcome challenges.
The importance of managing stress.As stress is an emotional experience which affects our body in a negative way, managing it is very important. First, managing stress helps you to avoid some illness caused by stress such as cancer and heart attacks. Second, managing stress also prevent from mental and emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety. Third managing stress may lead you to success or improve your productivity at work. Most people become stressed at work. Stress affect us mentally. For example, stress affects the way of thinking, remembering, taking decisions and focus. Those factors are involved in productivity at work.
(Eliaz, 2011)
Strategies for responding to stress.The fight-or-flight response: This is a way to respond to stress which is mostly seen in men. This response is activated by HPA axis. When stressed, people who respond by the fight or flight response can be aggressive, attack others, revenge or retreat as quick as they can. (Introduction to Psychology, n.d.)
The tend-and-befriend response: This is a way to respond which is mostly seen in women. People who respond in this way, try to create socialize so as to avoid or forget the stress. This response is triggered by the hormone called oxytocin. This way of responding is also the healthier one as it avoids the negative effects of the increased cortisol such as increased heart pressure. (Introduction to Psychology, n.d.)
There is some stress management techniques which can help someone to avoid stress.
Meditation: This is a way of mind relaxation and it let go the stress you may have (Eliaz, 2011).
Regular moderate exercise such as walking, yoga or swimming. Those exercises also help to relax your mind and reduce the stress (Eliaz, 2011).
Eliaz, D. I. ( 2011, June 8). Why Stress Management Is So Important for Your Health. Retrieved from mindbodygreen: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2557/Why-Stress-Management-Is-So-Important-for-Your-Health.html
Introduction to Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from Saylor.org: hrome-extension://kjnclckkljgkjkephofiphecmokenanp/http://www.saylor.org/site/textbooks/Introduction%20to%20Psychology.pdf#page=474