Have you ever experienced a slow acceptance of the pressures around you, until everything is “just too much” and you can barely cope?

If stress “has become one of the most serious health issues of the 20th century and a worldwide epidemic,” then it is time to start growing our tools in handling stress (“Workplace Stress,” 2018).

What is stress?

Stress is the “psychological, physiological, and behavioral response by an individual when they perceive a lack of equilibrium between the demands placed upon them and their ability to meet those demands, which, over a period of time, leads to ill-health” (Palmer, 1989).

A survey report by ManipalCigna showed that close to 82% of Indians are suffering from stress on account of work, health, and finance-related concerns. 

The survey reveals that stress continues to be a significant concern in India. About 89% of the sandwich generation (age group 35-49 years) is suffering from stress, followed by 87% of millennials, and 64% of those aged above 50+. Given that the sandwich generation comprises the core workforce and is poised to be senior management in the coming years, there will be a huge impact on businesses if not addressed immediately. 

Even non-working are suffering from stress 

The survey further shows 84% of working individuals are stressed on account of too much work at offices, followed by family health concerns, personal health, and family and personal finance. Nevertheless, even 70% of non-working individuals are also suffering from stress. 

On a gender basis, the survey shows 84% of men are stressed, at the same time 79% of women also suffer from stress in India. The leading causes of stress for single, married, and working mothers vary, but all mention personal finance, too much work, and personal health as the source of their stress. 

In-office, 84% of working individuals are stressed, and 74% notice that their colleagues are also stressed. Some of the symptoms expressed by colleagues suffering from stress are poor performance at work, complains of headache and tiredness. Stress at the workplace may lead to lower morale and possible resignation which is a worrisome scenario for corporate India. 

 Symptoms of stress

Although we all experience stress differently, some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Stomach pain
• Irritability
• Teeth grinding
• Panic attacks
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sweaty hands or feet
• Heartburn
• Excessive sleeping
• Social isolation
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Obsessive or compulsive behaviors

What is Stress Management? 

Put simply, stress management is:

“set of techniques and programs intended to help people deal more effectively with stress in their lives by analyzing the specific stressors and taking positive actions to minimize their effects” (Gale Encyclopaedia of Medicine, 2008).

Different Stress Management Techniques & Strategies

1. Action Orientated Approaches: used to take action to change a stressful situation
2. Emotion-oriented approaches: used to change the way we perceive a stressful situation
3. Acceptance-oriented approaches: used for dealing with stressful situations you can’t control