Definition  –    S     =             P       >                   R

                             Stress             pressure      resources

Stress occurs when the pressure is greater than the resources. Stress: - It is a byproduct of the reaction people have to excessive pressure. It is dominated by worry, anxiety and hence difficult to cope with. The process of stress management is one key to a happy and a successful life in modern society. Although it provides numerous demands that can prove difficult to handle, stress management also provides a number of ways to manage anxiety and maintain overall well – being. Handling stress– Traditionally it was conceptualized to be a result of external insults beyond the control of those experiencing the stress. More recently however it has been argued that external circumstances do not have intrinsic capacity to produce stress, but instead their effect is mediated by the individual perceptions, capacities and understanding. Stress control– Firstly recognize the source of negative stress. This is not an admission of weakness or inability to cope. It’s just a way to identify the problem and plan measures to overcome it, before it becomes difficult to handle. Techniques to manage stress.

• Change your thinking: Be more positive in your approach. Focus on your strengths – learn from the stress you are under – look for opportunities – seeking out the positive – make a change.
• Change your behavior (Perfectionists, Workaholics, “My – Way” thinking): Instead be assertive – get organized. Modify personality traits
• Change your life style: Each one is aware of their lifestyle and the way it is affecting them, make necessary changes within your reach and capacity to your advantage.

 Guidelines for coping with stress: Most of the stress we experience is often self-generated. The first step towards coping with stress is accepting “It’s we who create most of our upsets in life.”

• Recognize and admit that you are feeling stressed.
• Recognize how much anxiety is too much.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Try to eliminate or minimize the difficult situations (avoid extremes).
• Set realistic goals. So that you won’t be affected by the particular situation.
• Eliminate all negative thoughts about certain stress causing situations.
• Be surrounded by positive and progressive thinking individuals or groups that can up lift your mood and spirit.
• Change – how you see the situation half full or half empty.
• Set priorities. Figure what is most important.
• Take care of situations.
• Discover new relaxation techniques.