Handling Pressure and Challenges – A Scientific Approach Maureen O’Callaghan
The Session What is stress? Pressures and challenges faced by SMEs The effects of stress How to prevent stress Coping when facing pressures and challenges Opportunities
Stress Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the body's response to it, on the other,
Table discussion What are the pressures and challenges facing Positive Networking members?
Stress and SMEs Lack of control – working with external business partners, clients, investors and other outside parties Reacting too soon and too fast – reactions that are often emotionally driven No time to “ Do it all” Trying to balance work and home demands Uncertainty
Table discussion How does stress affect you? Physically- short and long-term? The way you think and the content of your thoughts The way you feel emotionally? The way you behave?
The coping brain
Mindfulness Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally" "Bringing one's complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis“ Used by top companies - Google, General Mills, Intel, Aetna, Goldman Barclays, PWC, Yahoo! Deutsche Bank and Procter & Gamble
Mindfulness and the brain 8 weeks 20 minutes a day
Reported benefits of mindfulness Improved resilience / wellbeing Enhanced working relationships Improved performance - leadership, decision-making, organisational transformation, focus and concentration, and creativity and innovation
A mindful approach to business
The importance of self - care Include each day an activity that gives you pleasure Stop during the day to identify and acknowledge what you have achieved Adopt a more mindful approach to running the business – respond rather than react
Pass it on challenge You each have a postcard Share the postcard Take a picture and share on twitter Add #wellbeanie Mention us @nowunltd The most imaginative wins a free session
Recap – we have looked at Pressures and challenges How these impact on us Mindfulness How to adopt a more mindful approach
Thank you for your attention Any questions? Maureen T: 07939 845920 E: info@nowunlimited.co.uk W: www.nowunlimited.co.uk