The History, The Problem, The Solution
The History
In olden times stress was from being attacked or chasing food. There were four responses. The four F’s. Flight, Fight, Freeze and Flock. The choice was to run away, attack the danger, freeze on the spot, or to flock together.
The Problem
We still react in the same way but our challenges have changed. We still have four choices regardless of whether the problems are at home, in the workplace or elsewhere. The first two are active and the second two are passive. All are a serious problem in the workplace or in the family.
Active Response
Flight:
We have the choice of walking out, resigning and of course divorce. We solve the problem by removing ourselves from the stress. In a few situations this maybe the safest way but having a staff member walkout or leave is the expensive option as the recruitment and training is costly. Having the teenager or family member disassociate can be devastating.
Fight:
Most modern fights consist of ‘having words’, maybe a bit of yelling, table thumping, and also includes letter writing, petitions, protest marches and litigation, hopefully not a physical fight. Having staff or family members fighting causes division and makes for an unpleasant place to be. There will be higher incidence of accidents and mistakes as a result.
Passive Response
Freeze:
A common response is to put up with a problem. Maybe we do not know how to fix it or our self esteem has been so undermined that we do not have the confidence to deal with it. We think about changing to fight or flight mode but are completely frozen. This person is not going to be an enthusiastic employee and will often make mistakes or have a backlog because they are ‘turned off’ and often are too scared to ask for help and if asked they will deny that they are not coping. The family member will be silent or grumbly with lots of innuendo
Flock
Another common response is to group bitch. Complaining to one another about how unfair it is or about what is wrong but not actually confronting the problem with the right people. This is another situation causing unpleasantness and can lead to errors or work accidents. Also some of the good workers may resign as they are fed up with the atmosphere.
The Solution
Research shows that 30 minutes of Laughter with aerobic exercise can change attitudes. Laughter is a form of exhalation and a great way of emptying the lungs of stale air allowing more oxygen laden air to enter the body and is scientifically proven to reduce stress in the workplace.
Laughter Yoga sessions include neurobics which are brain exercises, together with practical ways to laugh appropriately anywhere, anytime in any situation and conclude with relaxation.
