You are currently an associate at an advertising agency where you have worked for two years. You are pursuing a promotion to the position of advertising executive. While you have expected to put in extra hours and some added responsibility as part of earning the promotion, your boss has increased your workload significantly, including some projects which had been assigned to other associates. You have more deadlines than you think you can meet plus the creative pressure of creating new and innovative material for your campaigns.
What steps of the general adaptation syndrome will I experience?
What emotional and cognitive effects might this stressor produce?
If this stress continues, how might it affect my health?
How might I resolve this situation effectively to reduce my stress?
The word "you" appears at least seven times in the description of the situation.
Your instructor expects YOU to answer this question. We'll be glad to comment on YOUR answer.
The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a three-stage physiological response to stress, as proposed by Hans Selye. The stages are:
1. Alarm Stage: When faced with a stressor, your body goes into the alarm stage. This is the initial shock or reaction to the stressor, such as the increased workload and added responsibility in your case. Your body's fight-or-flight response is activated, preparing you to face the challenge.
2. Resistance Stage: If the stressor continues, your body enters the resistance stage. Here, your body tries to adapt and cope with the ongoing stress. You may develop increased tolerance and endurance to deal with the workload and creative pressure. However, there is a constant drain on your energy resources and ability to manage stress.
3. Exhaustion Stage: If the stressor persists for an extended period without relief or adequate coping mechanisms, your body enters the exhaustion stage. At this point, your body's resources are depleted, resulting in physical and mental health problems. You may experience burnout, decreased immune function, and increased risk of various illnesses.
The emotional and cognitive effects of this stressor can vary from person to person but may include:
1. Emotional Effects: Increased stress can lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, irritability, and being overwhelmed. You may also experience mood swings, decreased motivation, and a sense of being trapped or stuck in your situation.
2. Cognitive Effects: The high workload and creative pressure can have cognitive effects, such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, decreased problem-solving abilities, and reduced creativity. You may find it challenging to generate fresh ideas or think critically due to the constant strain.
If the stress continues, it can have significant impacts on your health, including:
1. Physical Health: Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses like colds, flu, and infections. It can also contribute to cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
2. Mental Health: Continued stress can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout. It can affect your overall well-being, self-esteem, and satisfaction with work and life.
To effectively resolve this situation and reduce your stress, consider the following steps:
1. Communicate with your boss: Discuss your concerns and workload with your boss, clearly conveying the challenges you are facing. Request support or adjustments to your workload if necessary.
2. Prioritize and delegate: Identify the most critical tasks and prioritize them. Delegate non-essential or lower-priority tasks to others if possible. Effective delegation can help alleviate some of the workload and pressure.
3. Time management: Efficiently manage your time by creating a schedule, breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and setting realistic deadlines. This can help you stay organized and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
4. Seek support: Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends who can provide guidance, advice, or even assistance with your workload. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can help you navigate through this stressful period.
5. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being by engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge. This can include exercise, meditation, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or seeking professional help if needed.
Remember, it's essential to find a balance between work and personal life to maintain your overall health and well-being.