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Leadership without stress
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Stress leads to several complications, physical and otherwise. A programme in the city recently provided an insight into what stress is all about and the methods to be adopted for tackling it.
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THE MODERN day work environment has become fast paced and exhausting. It has also brought with it a lot of pressure. It's just not the middle and lower level employees who face the heat. The top-level decision makers in an organisation are in a state of constant tension.
In such a situation it is but natural for them to feel the stress. But, when business leaders suffer so, it will have a telling effect on the overall performance of the organisation. So, what can be done? A programme on "Stress free leadership" organised by the Vyakti Vikas Kendra threw some light on the physical and psychological aspects of stress and how it hits leaders in a business organisation.
"Today, business leaders try to earn money quickly. When they come across roadblocks, they get stress," noted Arun Madhavan, Chairman of The Art of Living Foundation, India. Unethical business practices by rivals and a hostile business environment can also lead to psychological problems and stress. "In these times, entrepreneurs become depressed and angry. They become impatient, start throwing tantrums and move about restlessly. As a result, their breathing pattern gets affected."
What has breathing got to do with stress? "Breath is intimately connected with emotions. When one is in a depressed state of mind, the prana is low and a person does not breathe properly, which results in stress." Those who manage big businesses should identify opinion leaders in their organisation. "Change makers and employees having creative ideas should be spotted and encouraged. Managers should appreciate the work done by subordinates. Even if they make mistakes they must correct them," he added.
Taking some time off from routine work will also help relieve stress. "The corporate bosses should take some time off. They can devote time to music and engage themselves in other leisure activities, which will help reduce stress."
What is stress and how do we get it? "Stress is the non-specific response of the body to the demands placed upon it. The response is so scary and new that it affects the person mentally, emotionally and physically," said Dr. J. S. Bhuvaneswaran, Chief Cardiologist, PSG Hospitals.
Stress can lead to several ailments including coronary heart disease, depression, ulcer, sleep disorders and chronic fatigue syndrome. It also reduces memory power, intellectual abilities and might even lead to premature ageing. "Most of it is self-generated. How one perceives life plays an important role in stress management. If one accepts things as they happen, there will be peace," he observed.
Deep breathing, asanas, pranayama and meditation are stress busters. "Medicines are not the answer for stress related problems. Awareness about the causes and the methods to control them will help overcome stress," he pointed out.
M. ALLIRAJAN
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
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