Supervisors Guide to

Module 8 | Handling stress

Module 8 Objectives
After completing this module you will be able to:
1	Pinpoint the sources of stress in your work
2	Organize your work so that you can minimize stress
3	Prepare a plan to lead a less stressful life
4	Switch off!

Synopsis: Switching off from work

The idea of 'stress' conjures up a picture of someone suffering from overwork or other pressure but this is not the whole picture.

To start with, stress itself is not harmful but it is the side effects of too much stress which may well lead to illness.

Stress can also be beneficial by helping us to do difficult things; actors and musicians are often nervous before performing, sportsmen and women have to build up a winning frame of mind if they are to excel and in handling difficult jobs we too may need extra nervous tension to enable us to get started and to work through to a successful conclusion. It is only when stress is too great or lasts too long that it becomes harmful.

In previous modules we have looked at ways of making work more routine in order to reduce stress. This module, however, is concerned with the effects of too much stress, the bad effects it can have and how to regulate it. In particular it looks at:

• how to plan your work and life so as to avoid with unnecessary stress
• how to deal with too much stress if it happens