Stress

What is Stress

Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a subjective sensation associated with varied symptoms that differ for each of us. In addition, stress is not always a synonym for distress. Situations like a steep roller coaster ride that cause fear and anxiety for some can prove highly pleasurable for others. Winning a race or election may be more stressful than losing but this is good stress.

Increased stress increases productivity – up to a point, after which things rapidly deteriorate, and that level also differs for each of us. It’s much like the stress or tension on a violin string. Not enough produces a dull raspy sound and too much an irritating screech or snaps the string – but just the correct degree of stress creates a beautiful tone.
Similarly, we all have to find the right amount of stress that permits us to make pleasant music in our daily lives. You can learn how to utilize and transform stress so that it will make you more productive and less self-destructive.

-Paul J. Rosch, M.D., F.A.C.P.
President, The American Institute of Stress Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry, New York Medical College Honorary Vice-President, International Stress Management Association

How stressed are you?

HOW MUCH JOB STRESS DO YOU HAVE?
Numerous studies show that job stress is far and away the major source of stress for American adults and that it has escalated progressively over the past few decades. Increased levels of job stress as assessed by the perception of having little control but lots of demands have been demonstrated to be associated with increased rates of heart attack, hypertension and other disorders. In New York, Los Angeles and other municipalities, the relationship between job stress and heart attacks is so well acknowledged, that any police officer who suffers a coronary event on or off the job is assumed to have a work related injury and is compensated accordingly (including a heart attack sustained while fishing on vacation or gambling in Las Vegas). You can learn more about your own job stress level by answering the following ten questions

ENTER A NUMBER FROM THE SLIDING SCALE BELOW THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU

STRONGLY DISAGREE

AGREE SOMEWHAT

STRONGLY AGREE

I can't honestly say what I really think or get things off my chest at work.

__________

My job has a lot of responsibility, but I don't have very much authority.

__________

I could usually do a much better job if I were given more time.

__________

I seldom receive adequate acknowledgment or appreciation when my work is really good.

__________

In general, I am not particularly proud or satisfied with my job.

__________

I have the impression that I am repeatedly picked on or discriminated against at work.

__________

My workplace environment is not very pleasant or particularly safe.

__________

My job often interferes with my family and social obligations or personal needs.

__________

I tend to have frequent arguments with superiors, coworkers or customers.

__________

Most of the time I feel that I have very little control over my life at work.

__________

Add up the replies to each question for your TOTAL JOB STRESS SCORE

If you score between 10-30, you handle stress on your job well; between 40-60, moderately well; 70-100, you’re encountering problems that need to be addressed and resolved.

Helpful Tips

TIPS

Find out what is causing stress in your life.
Look for ways to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
Learn healthy ways to relieve stress.
Learn better ways to manage your time. You may get more done with less stress if you make a schedule. Think about which things are most important, and do those first.
Find better ways to cope. Look at how you have been dealing with stress. Be honest about what works and what does not. Think about other things that might work better.
Take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest. Eat well. Do not smoke. Limit how much alcohol you drink.
Try out new ways of thinking. When you find yourself starting to worry, try to stop the thoughts. Work on letting go of things you cannot change. Learn to say “no.”
Ask for help. People who have a strong network of family and friends manage stress better.
Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started.
Write. It can help to write about the things that are bothering you.
Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to.
Do something you enjoy. A hobby can help you relax. Volunteer work or work that helps others can be a great stress reliever.
Learn ways to relax your body. This can include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, or relaxing exercises like tai chi and qi gong.
Focus on the present. Try meditation, imagery exercises, or self-hypnosis. Listen to relaxing music. Try to look for the humor in life. Laughter really can be the best medicine.

Is There Help on Campus?

Options
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential assessment/counseling/referral service staffed by trained professionals who can help you and your family members evaluate your problems and take positive action to resolve them. UND provides employee assistance services to all employees and their immediate family members, including the spouses and/or children living in the same household as the employee or dependent children attending school. When you or your family members contact EAP, a staff member will assess your situation and provide the assistance needed to resolve it. This may include personal contacts with the counselor and/or referral to a professional who is specially trained in your area of difficulty. All contact with the EAP is confidential. The EAP provides up to eight (8) counseling sessions without cost. Counseling in the following areas is available: Alcohol and Drug Concerns, Family or Marriage Concerns, Emotional Concerns, Work-Related Concerns and Financial Concerns.
Visit St. Alexius EAP web site at st.alexiuseap.com