What is stress?

Stress is normal. Everyone feels stress related to work, family, decisions, your future, and more. Stress is both physical and mental. It is caused by major life events such as illness, the death of a loved one, a change in responsibilities or expectations at work, and job promotions, loss, or changes.

Smaller, daily events also cause stress, for example a colleague who mutters 'negatives' under their breath or a team member late each day. This stress is not as apparent to us, but it can 'irk' us and the the constant and cumulative impact of small stressors can add up to a big impact.

In other words we can sit on a mountain but we can't sit on a tack! In response to these daily stresses, your body automatically increases blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, metabolism, and blood flow to your muscles. This stress response is intended to help your body react quickly and effectively to any high-pressure situation.

To avoid the physical and mental ill effects of stress we have designed simple yet effective solutions to support the well-being of your organisation.

Our trainers share with you some of the many ways for tackling stress using a personal and professional 'stress busting' system with clear objectives which include.

Popular stress awareness sessions for managers:

• Understanding the Health and Safety Executive definition of stress and its implications for managers
• Being aware of stressful situations that pose a long term risk to the health and well-being of your staff
• Helping you understand the key legal issues around stress and how they impact on all employees and managers
• Develop an awareness of the indicators of stress and implement processes for identifying stress-related problems early
• Knowing how to proceed when it becomes apparent that someone is stressed

Popular stress awareness session for employees

• What is Stress - focus group why is Stress at work on the increase and what are the implications for employer/employee
• Stressors - what causes stress overload
• Symptoms - the signs to look out for in yourself/colleagues
• A new perspective - changing your outlook/perception of the problem to help you with the way you deal with it
• Demonstrating methods of coping with stress and stressful situations including dealing with awkward people
• Fact sheets that can be done at the desk to relieve tension and fatigue
• Mind massage - short visualisations to release anxiety and promote happiness