MANAGING STRESS IN TURBULENT TIMES: STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS RESILIENCEDR BY DR SULEIMAN TAJUDEEN

HEAD, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY  LAGOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, IDI-ARABA, LAGOS

 

Stress is a normal physiological response to a perceived threat or pressure that disrupts an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. It is a state of tension or strain caused by various factors, including internal thoughts, emotions, or external circumstances.

TYPES OF STRESS

• Acute Stress: Short-term, immediate response to a specific event.
• Chronic Stress: Long-term, ongoing stress that persists over time.
• Episodic Stress: Recurring stress triggered by specific events or situations.

Causes of stress

• Economic hardship
• Work-related stress
• Financial insecurity
• Health concerns
• Social relationships
• Environmental factors

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Digestive issues
• Muscle tension
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Weight changes

 

• ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND STRESS
• Global economic downturns
• Nigerian economic challenges (recession, inflation, unemployment)
• Impact on mental health and well-being
• Poverty
• Low Productivity
• Manufacturing Sector Decline
• Foreign Exchange Shortages

GENERAL EFFECTS OF STRESS

• Physical (headaches, hypertension, diabetes)
• Mental Health Issues (anxiety, depression, burnout, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Behavioural (substance abuse, absenteeism, productivity loss)
• Social Unrest (economic challenges can fuel social unrest and protests)

 

• STRESSORS IN THE NIGERIAN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
• Economic uncertainty
• Inflation and currency fluctuations
• Power outages and infrastructure challenges
• Security concerns
• Long working hours and workload

 

IMPACT OF STRESS ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

• Decreased productivity
• Absenteeism and turnover
• Decreased morale and motivation
• Poor decision-making
• Increased healthcare costs

STRESS MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

• Time management and prioritization
• Communication and delegation
• Self-care i.e (take good care of yourself)
• Boundary setting (work-life balance)
• Seeking support (colleagues, mentors, professionals)
• Relaxation techniques (deep breathing)
• Exercise and physical activity
• Financial planning and budgeting

 

ORGANIZATIONAL INTERVENTIONS

• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Wellness initiatives (fitness programs, mental health resources)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Recognition and rewards
• Leadership support and open communication
• Investing in Human Capital (Developing skills and education to enhance productivity)
• Social Protection Programs(Implementing programs to support vulnerable populations)
• Economic Reforms (Implementing policies to promote economic stability and growth)

CONCLUSION

• Stress management is crucial during economic hardship
• Individual and organizational strategies can mitigate stress
• Global and Nigerian initiatives support stress management

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

Prioritize stress management in workplace and community settings

• Develop coping strategies and resilience
• Seek professional help when needed

REFERENCES

Nigerian Ministry of Education. (2020). Guidance and Counseling in Schools.

World Health Organization. (2019). Stress and Mental Health.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America.