1. CheckPoint: Effects of Stress
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.
· Due Date: Day 5 [Individual] forum
· Answer each of the following questions in 50 to 75 words:
1. What steps of the general adaptation syndrome will I experience?
2. What emotional and cognitive effects might this stressor produce?
3. If this stress continues, how might it affect my health?
4. How might I resolve this situation effectively to reduce my stress?
· Post your response to the individual forum.
1. To determine the steps of the general adaptation syndrome you might experience, you can refer to Hans Selye's model of stress. The general adaptation syndrome consists of three steps: the alarm stage, the resistance stage, and the exhaustion stage. In your case, the initial response might be the alarm stage, where you feel a surge of stress due to the increased workload and added responsibilities. As time goes on, you might enter the resistance stage, where you try to cope with the stress by working harder. If the stress continues, you might eventually reach the exhaustion stage, where you may experience burnout and physical or mental health issues.
2. The emotional effects of this stressor might include feelings of overwhelm, frustration, anxiety, and irritability. You may also experience cognitive effects such as difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or being creative. The constant pressure to meet deadlines and create innovative material can contribute to emotional and cognitive strain.
3. If this stress continues, it can have detrimental effects on your health. Your immune system may weaken, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Chronic stress can lead to the development of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental health disorders like depression or anxiety. Sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and a compromised ability to manage daily stressors are also potential health effects.
4. To effectively resolve this situation and reduce your stress, you can consider the following strategies:
- Communicate with your boss: Express your concerns about the increased workload and discuss possible solutions or adjustments.
- Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important tasks and deadlines, and focus on those first. Delegate or seek assistance for less critical tasks if possible.
- Time management: Break down your workload into smaller, manageable portions and schedule specific times for each task. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to increase efficiency and maintain focus.
- Seek support: Reach out to colleagues or trusted friends/family to share your feelings and gain perspective. Consider seeking professional support such as counseling or coaching if needed.
- Take care of yourself: Prioritize self-care activities like exercise, relaxation techniques, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you recharge.
- Develop stress management skills: Learn and practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to help reduce the impact of stress on your body and mind.
Ann, we do not do your homework for you. When you have done some reading and "note-taking", please repost with your thoughts on these questions. One of the teachers will be happy to comment and make suggestions.
try and look through your book
Every human being has the capacity to work for certain number of hours per day. If one works more than that it will either be physical exhaustion or mental exhaustion. Usually this is around 6-8 hours per day depending on the type of work.
In this case since your work is white collar job you can work maximim 6-7 hours per day with 10 minutes interval every hour.You must take weekly off.You must have minimum 6 hours sleep per day. You must eat in time. And see your family doctor every year for any stress related problems
Here are some articles that might be helpful:
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/Stress1.htm
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/Stress2.htm
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.