Stress Container is a model which guides a person in understanding how stress and stress triggers can adversely effect their performance and behaviours. It clarifies what the Stress Factor is and what mechanisms are available to overcome it.
The Stress Container has 5 elements. By completing each part, useful insights are given by raising self-awareness of how the Stress Factor can be managed and kept inside the container so it does not overspill.
This is the first section to complete.
Here we write what the Stress Factor is.
For example “I have a deadline to reach on this piece of work and haven’t started yet, I will let others down, it’s stressing me out.”
This is the second section to complete.
In this box we think about how the Stress Factor is changing our behaviour adversely and having a negative impact upon ourselves and others.
Examples could include, being short and blunt with people, holding our head in our hands and losing our patience.
This is the third section to complete.
In this box we think and discuss what Helpful Strategies are available to us to overcome the problem. We take time to list them and then prioritise in order. Some will be far more important and have immediate effect in overcoming the Stress Factor.
Examples are, asking a colleague for help, admitting that you are running out of time and need assistance, reviewing your diary and priorities, and agreeing where time can be made.
This is the fourth section to complete.
As the title suggests this is where we think and discuss what will be unhelpful and cause further stress and pressure.
Examples include, not facing the issue and putting it off time and time again, procrastinating and worrying which takes up mental head space and energy, trying to complete the piece of work when you are tired, and being hard on your self which lowers self esteem.
This is the final section of the Stress Container Model.
This list contains the ‘must dos’ and we agree that no matter what, we will protect ourselves and manage the stress by doing what is in this box. It’s non-negotiable.
Examples may include, we pause and realise we have difficultly in completing the piece of work, we ask for help immediately, we rationalise with our direct report and come up with a working solution.
The Stress Container is a very useful model and process that can be used for work and non-work matters. It is an awareness tool and when completed gives us clarity to the solutions available to overcome the stress.
You can complete this with a colleague or alternatively by yourself. If by yourself, always share with a colleague or your direct report so they are aware of the positive action you have already taken.
