Stress Management : Health/Fitness/Safety : Work/Life : HRA : IUPUI

Stress Management

Stress is pressure from the outside that makes us experience tension and anxiety on the inside. Stress can have many symptoms including: difficulty sleeping; restlessness; feeling lethargic, depressed, frustrated; headaches; inability to concentrate; upset stomach; change in appetite; muscle tension; cold hands; anxiousness; being easily annoyed and/or increased susceptibility to minor ailments. While a little stress can keep us alert and active, too much can cause physical and psychological problems.

Employee Counseling

To deal with the problems of stress, as well as other issues that may be interfering with an employee’s day-to-day well being (workplace conflict, alcohol/drug concerns, grief, child/elderly care issues, relationship problems, etc.), Indiana University has established a confidential (in accordance with state and federal law) Employee Assistance Program (IUEAP) for all full-time, appointed academic and staff employees as well as their household members. Call 1-888-234-8327 (toll-free) to set an appointment with an EAP counselor or go to their Web site. Part-time or hourly employees with counseling needs should call 274-8931 for referral.

Supervisory Referral

Many supervisors find themselves dealing with employees exhibiting signs of stress in the workplace. The IU Employee Assistance Program can assist university supervisors and managers with information on a variety of issues. To learn more, visit their site.

Student Counseling (and Staff, too)

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the student’s resource for concerns about personal welfare and achievement and, even if you’re taking only one credit hour, you’re eligible. Though students are the main focus, faculty and staff may seek help at CAPS, too. They offer confidential online depression, anxiety, drug/alcohol and eating disorder screening tools at their site.

Did you ever observe a student or a person you supervise and think maybe he/she needed help? Then, after doubts about your own perceptions crept in, you decided to do nothing? Now there’s help to clarify those doubts. If you visit the CAPS Web site and click on Ulifeline, you can use an "evaluator" to assess whether or not you’re on target. If the evaluator instrument confirms what you thought, contact HRA (274-8931) if the concern is about an employee and CAPS (274-2548) if the concern is about a student. They can give you guidance on how to proceed.

Learning to Deal with Stress

Consider attending one of the Stress Management workshops offered by IUPUI Human Resources Administration or the Stress Reduction series offered by HRA Work/Life. They are open to staff, faculty and students, and you can check on upcoming dates by going to http://www.hra.iupui.edu/signup.asp.
Participate in IUPUI Lunch Time Yoga – Let Maggie Stimming know of your interest.
Breathe deeply, at least five times, from your diaphragm; breathing from your chest won't relax you. Picture your breath coming up from your "gut." Slowly repeat a calm word or phrase such as "relax."
Visualize a relaxing experience, from either your memory or your imagination.
Budget your time and energy by prioritizing and including YOU.
Organize a personal space that works for you.
Change your way of looking at things by taking the broader perspective and asking, “How important is it?” or “Will worrying about it make it better?” and then move on
Exercise regularly and often.
Get enough sleep (about 8 hours is recommended).
Eat nutritious foods throughout the day to control energy levels.
Learn a relaxation technique (meditation, etc.) - http://www.mbmi.org/basics/whatis_rresponse_elicitation.asp
Talk out your problems with a friend.
Avoid self-medication (drinking, smoking, taking nonprescription tranquilizers/drugs).
Express your concerns, but fight fairly and pick your battles carefully.
Develop a network of supportive, caring people.
Read Getting Unstuck, a book by Sidney Simon.