Adapting to Personal and Work Related Stress

            When individuals cannot adequately respond or successfully adapt to a changing or unexpected set of circumstances, stress is usually the result. People tend to resist change because they feel inadequate to meet the challenge, feel their security is threatened, fear the unknown, mistrust those initiating the change, or lack the ability to see, the big picture. Nevertheless individuals can respond successfully to change by using their values as a guideline for making decisions and achieving goals and by cultivating active adaptability.

            Many of the stressors we experience are generated at work. Technostress the inability to cope with computer technology in a healthy manner, is a significant contemporary threat to individuals and organizations. As organizations downsize, they force fewer employees to produce more work in less time. This emphasis on speed is often aggravated by incompetent supervision. In addition, transitions that occur in personal life, such as marriage, divorce, or relocation may add more stressors that interfere with a person's effectiveness on the job. Workers also experience stress when changing jobs, when trying to keep up with rapidly evolving jobs, and when dealing with unemployment. Organizations are attempting to aid workers in dealing with stress.

            Nevertheless, some stress in life is beneficial and helps keep a person motivated and excited. Therefore, the goal is not to eliminate stress but to learn how to identify it and then manage it. Individuals can take personal responsibility for the effect stress has on their lives by controlling their goals and expectations; eating a balanced diet; exercising regularly; taking time for mental relaxation; and effectively expressing their emotions. Many organizations offer wellness pro grams to help their employees counteract the effects of stress. These may include incentives to stay healthy, such as no&-smoking campaigns and weight control programs. Many wellness programs provide physical fitness opportunities, and nutrition training. Counseling programs are available in most organizations through employee assistance programs (EAPs). Some people turn to twelve&-step programs for help in coping with the various addictions that often result from too much stress. When workers are unable to manage an appropriate level of stress in their lives, they may be subjecting themselves to the effects of burnout. This condition requires effective self&-help and help from others if it is to be overcome.