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STRESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress management refers to the techniques, strategies, and activities
that individuals use to reduce, cope with, or prevent the negative impact
of stress on their physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of
life. By recognising stress sources and understanding its effects, individuals
can implement effective techniques to alleviate immediate tension and
prevent long-term health issues. This proactive approach not only enhances
productivity and decision-making but also fosters better relationships and
emotional stability, promoting a balanced and fulfilling life. Investing in
SESSION 1 Stress Management stress management is essential for maintaining health and happiness in the
long run.
Self-management is the process of applying and using one’s own characteristics in a righteous and responsible
way. It is making commitments to oneself to smartly organise and properly handle the situations in and What is Stress?
around oneself. Self-management includes qualities such as self-awareness, decision-making, problem- Imagine today is your exam, you have missed the school bus and suddenly you realise that you have worn
solving, efficient time management, planning, handling stressful situations, etc. the wrong uniform. Such kind of situations give mental stress. Stress is a normal physical or mental agony
that happens when someone feels threatened, upset, or danger, whether it is real or imaginary. Stress can be
BASICS OF SELF-MANAGEMENT
a positive or negative stress.
Self-management plays an important role in improving all kinds of Stress, if taken in the right sense, can help us achieve our goals. It is a form of Positive stress.
performances, be it related to academics, productivity, doing tasks on time,
The most common form of stress is Negative stress which can make a person worrisome and less productive.
and managing oneself to do things in the best way. Self-management
Stress Causal Agents
depends on how well we manage stress and how well we recover.
The following are the agents that can cause stress:
Following are some of the most necessary skills you must master to succeed
Mental: Students often experience mental stress when they struggle with their studies or face high self-
in life:
expectations, leading to anxiety and pressure.
Self-awareness: Regularly seek honest feedback to gain insights into your
Physical: Adolescents may face physical stress due to increased self-consciousness about their appearance
personal traits and professional skills. Reflect on how you handle various
and the challenges associated with hormonal changes.
situations and continuously strive for improvement.
Social: This type of stress occurs due to peer pressure, family discords, status show off etc.
Responsibility: Take ownership of your assignments and tasks as a crucial step in your personal growth.
Financial: Young individuals may experience stress when they seek financial independence, which can lead
Whether it’s a school project or work task, ensure you fulfil your commitments responsibly, even if setbacks
to pressures related to managing money and achieving financial stability.
occur.
Symptoms of Stress
Time Management: Effectively prioritise tasks by eliminating unnecessary activities and creating a
The following are the symptoms of stress:
structured schedule. Commit to following your schedule diligently to enhance productivity and meet
Physical Symptoms: Breathlessness, dry mouth, butterflies in the stomach, indigestion, nausea, acidity,
deadlines consistently.
fatigue, sweaty palms, cold hands and feet, irritation, hyperactivity, etc.
Adaptability: Stay informed about current best practises and emerging trends in your field. Remain open
Mental Symptoms: Irritation, impatience, loneliness, upset mood, anxiety, depression, frustration,
to change, and be prepared to adapt seamlessly to new developments and challenges.
boredom, guilt, insecurity, forgetfulness, etc.
Goal Setting: Establishing clear and achievable objectives helps provide direction and motivation.
Stress Management
Emotional Regulation: Managing emotions such as stress, frustration, and anxiety promotes resilience
There are many instances where stress has proven helpful. For example, a fire alarm causes stress but, at
and enhances decision-making.
the same time alerts you to avoid danger. But when stress remains for a long period of time, it has opposite
Reflection and Learning: Regularly evaluating progress, learning from experiences, and seeking feedback
effects. It leads to emotional and physical stress and limits our ability to function well. Managing stress is all
fosters continuous improvement and personal growth.
about planning to cope effectively with daily pressures.
Self-Management Skills-II 29

