employeesguideforstress.doc-TeessideUniversity.docVIP

Appendix 3 Managing Stress An Employee’s Guide Introduction Teesside University is committed to doing all it can to minimise the stresses of work and to promote the wellbeing of its employees. While recognising that it is not possible to create a totally stress-free existence for everyone, it is important to ensure that all the factors that affect individuals at work are considered. The aims of this Guide are to: Help with understanding stress and stress related issues; Provide the practical tools, support and guidance to enable effective action to tackle stress; Provide personal strategies for managing stress. What is stress? Stress is described as the condition experienced when someone perceives that they are unable to meet the demands placed upon them. Stress is something we all experience from time to time and is a perfectly natural human response. What might be stressful for one person may not be for another. We are really designed to cope with more primitive threats, such as an attack from a predator. This triggers the so-called ‘fight or flight’ response. When we perceive a threat, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released to raise the heart rate, increase alertness and tense the muscles. Today’s challenges are much more prolonged. If our state of readiness is extended for any length of time, then we may experience those ‘out of control’ feelings that we associate with stress. If this continues without relief, then there is a risk of damage to our physical health through an impaired immune system, muscular pain and raised blood pressure. We all need pressure in our lives to provide stimulus and motivation. However, stress is the result of an inappropriate level of pressure or overload. The challenge is to ensure that the level of pressure is at the correct level to maintain interest and enjoyment in all aspects of our lives, and that we have the coping skills to deal with the challenges that modern life presents. The main causes of stress a