Squeezing the Stress Out with Stress Management Training

An increased number of stress management training programs used to decrease the risk of stress are the result of a serious study that associates stress with physical good. A very illustrative example is the stress management training program at Corning where many ways of the conventional practices are used in productive programs. The aim of such programs is to make workers comprehend the characters of stress, the reaction of their body to these symptoms, and to better understand how to deal with these. How do these programs work?

Over the last twenty years, these stress management training programs designed for stress control have been much mediated. The most successful ones are those minutely created, analyzed and also well thought. In the beginning, their aim was to evaluate the stress level at work comparing it with standard data. These results were less satisfactory in what concerns workers with a high level of stress. Their need to cope had to be worked upon.

- There were made interventions per individual, for example official seminars or mass media programs where famous scientists dealing with stress were invited.

- There were also organized some weekly training sessions with the purpose of teaching workers how to deal with stress (activities like tai chi, yoga, muscle relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback, meditation and intellective restructuring were presented).

The trainers were psychologists with at least ten years of experience. The subjects should deal with work problems in a more relaxing and calming way. Some events focused on the freedom of speaking about stress were organized. The aim of these was to build an environment where they could work more comfortable. There were given funny, useful, and new examples and exercises used for stress relieving. The goal of this stress management training program was to indirectly invite other participants.

The hours when they were held were during their free time and lasted from sixty to ninety minutes per session. The team leaders were also encouraged to promote the program. Each worker that attended these meetings had to sign up an agreement that they would share the information they learn with more than one person they know.

At the beginning and in the end of the stress management program the participants could receive a checklist of twenty five questions with the purpose of seeing how their states of being evolved. The trainers try to gain the confidence of the participants to help them speak easily about their problems. New skills were developed per session and the participants were encouraged to practice at home as well to get a better understanding of these measures.

The stress management programs are often completed by massage sessions, tai chi, yoga, and other relaxing exercises for discounted prices.The results of stress management training programs were impressive. The people worked easier and more enthusiastic, their health improved and the company's productivity has significantly increased.

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