Chapter 3

Time and Stress Management/Organization

Skills

“We must use time as a tool, not as a crutch.”

John F. Kennedy

OBJECTIVES

Describe how stress impacts workplace performance

Identify the causes of stress, and name methods of dealing with stress

Deal with procrastination in a productive manner

Apply time-management techniques in the workplace

Define the importance of organizing for optimal performance

Apply organizational techniques in the workplace

THE IMPACT OF STRESS ON PERFORMANCE

Stress: the body’s reaction to a tense situation Stress will affect work performance Stress in the workplace will carry on to

your personal life Stress-related losses cost organizations

billions of dollars annually

TALK IT OUT

How can stress from school impact other areas of your life?

TYPES OF STRESS Positive stress: a productive type of

stress that provides strength to accomplish a task Can become negative

Negative stress: a type of stress that results in you becoming emotional, illogical, or in you losing control of your temper Can cause anger, depression, distrust,

fatigue, changes in appetite, and/or physical weakness

TALK IT OUT

What are common negative stressors students face and what are positive responses?

DEALING WITH STRESSSteps to Assist in Dealing with Stress

1. Identify the stressor2. Recognize why and how you are

reacting to the stressor3. Visualize and set goals4. Practice positive stress relief

DEALING WITH STRESSStress Relievers

Find an outlet to release tension Diminish (or ideally eliminate) the use of

alcohol and/or drugs Do not become emotional Get organized Create and maintain a support network Make time for yourself and learn to relax Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep Develop realistic goals

DEALING WITH STRESSSpecific Stress Relievers

Enjoy leisure timeListen to musicRelaxMeditate and do deep

breathing exercisesUse positive visualization

DEALING WITH STRESSAt Work

Surround yourself with positive people

Take time outside of work to relax Do not bring your troubles home Use employer resources if available

(Employee Assistance Program, EAP)

TALK IT OUT

What are ways you relieve stress?

DEALING WITH STRESS

• Diet and exercise help manage stress Maintain a healthy diet which includes

breakfast Increase physical activity

Job burnout A form of extreme stress where you lack

motivation and no longer the desire to work Tardiness, absence, complaining, lack of quality

TIME MANAGEMENT

Time management: how you manage your time Use your time efficiently Make a plan Set priorities and get organized Do not wait until last minute and rush

through a job; complete it correctly the first time

TIME MANAGEMENT

Make a list of tasks for each day and prioritize this list

Keep a calendar handy at all times Organize your work area Practice a one-touch policy Avoid time wasters Set time aside each day to address all

communication at once Do not be afraid to ask for help

TIME MANAGEMENT

Procrastination is a poor habit Reasons for procrastination

Fear of failure Perfectionism Disorganization Not wanting to perform a task

Overcome procrastination Visualize the completed task Make a plan for completing the task

TIME MANAGEMENT

Sometimes you need to say “NO” If you have time, help If you do not have time, decline the

project Be polite

TALK IT OUT

How can you apply what you just learned regarding time management to your school performance?

ORGANIZING and PERFORMANCE

Being organized will Optimize performance Allow good use of your time Reduce stress

ORGANIZING and PERFORMANCEWays to Get Organized Take inventory Place items where they are required Avoid piles and miscellaneous folders Return a used item to its appropriate area Routinely de-clutter

ORGANIZING and PERFORMANCEOther Organization Tools Use a calendar Keep an address book Check and answer messages at regular

intervals Break large tasks into smaller tasks Keep work space clutter-free Shred confidential material once a day Manage files (paper and electronic) Handle mail in an organized manner