Stress vs. Wellbeing

Fear vs. AdaptingDelivered by:

Thérèse Hackett, Ciúnas

For: Leitrim Business Network

April 2012

Asset Management

You are the greatest asset in your business

You are the most important aspect of your customers’ experience of your business

You are your business brand

How do you invest in this asset?

What is stress?

Stress is the damage to your body in response to your experience.

HSE UK definition: The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demands placed on them.

Wellbeing allows ideas to form

Stress Statistics?

4 out of 5 people suffer from stress (W Health Org)

Senior Mgrs in Ireland are so stressed that they have a lower qualify of life than the terminally ill. (Article from People Mgmt Mag 2006: Research by Kieran O’Boyle Professor of Psychology at the Royal College of Surgeons)

73% of Americans name money as No 1 factor affecting stress (American Psychological Association 2004)

Wellbeing leads to Empowerment

Stress Triggers?

If you are waiting for your situation/environment to improve so that you feel better about yourself, you’ve put

yourself in a very “powerless and stressful” place.

Wellbeing leads to Positive Thinking

Stress Triggers?• The Event• Your perception of it• Your body’s reaction to your perception of it (fight or flight response)

You have no control over the event – BUTYou can control your perception of the event & your response.

Stress Triggers are different for everyone

Wellbeing leads to Creativity

Fight / flight response

1. Hypothalamus Secretes hormone corticotrophin-releasing-factor (CRF) which activates the pituitary gland. Alsoreleases endorphins

2. Pituitary GlandSecretes adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) which activates the adrenal gland

3. Adrenal glandSecretes hormones;•cortisol •adrenaline•noradrenaline

Wellbeing calmness Solutions

Result of fight or flight response

• Immune system suppressed • Cortisol turns carbohydrates into sugar

(good in the short-term)• Can withstand pain • Increases blood pressure & heart rate

Wellbeing creates rational Thoughts

Result of fight or flight response

• Airways widen to improve breathing• Blood flow increased to our large muscles• Blood vessels narrow in digestive system

and in the rational parts of the brain • Experience a high – can be addictive.

BODY MUST HAVE RECOVERY TIME - 20 minutes

NB: LONG-TERM EXPOSURE = “BURN OUT”

Wellbeing = Health

Responses vary but examples are:

• Anti-social, Difficulty concentrating• Excessive alcohol and/or food intake• Feeling “out of control”, very sensitive• Aggressive, panic attacks• Worry• Perspiration, negative internal dialogue• Constant tiredness, Irritability, Insomnia

Your body is signalling you – how do you respond?

Wellbeing leads to Focus

Responses vary but examples are:

• Depression, back pain, shoulder pain• Susceptibility to flu and other viruses• Stomach problems, e.g. IBS, Ulcers• Headaches, High Blood pressure• Collapse

• Heart disease

Your body is signalling you – how do you respond?

Wellbeing creates Energy

Wellbeing strategies

• Change state, e.g. – Breathing exercises – yoga, pilates– Active relaxation – meditation– Sport, Gardening– Laughter / Fun

• Take breaks – know when to stop!– Do something different– Talk to someone who understands

Wellbeing leads to Productivity

Wellbeing strategies

• Change your perspective –Get into the “Present”–What can I do right now?–What are my opportunities right now?–What do I have control over right now?

• List your resources and skills• Become proactive as opposed to reactive• Be grateful• Use external supports, e.g. Coaching,

Massage, Reflexology, Healing etc

Wellbeing

Wellbeing strategies: Big Picture

• We create our lives through our thoughts and consequently through our choices and actions

• What are your thoughts?

• Be your life designer - What do you really want to create?

Wellbeing leads to Profitability

Wellbeing leads to:

Positivity EnergyCalmness RelaxationFocus FunSolutions ActionCreativity EmpowermentProductivity ProfitHappiness Health