Self Management:
Self-management, also referred to as 'self-control,' is the ability to control one's
emotions, thoughts and behaviour effectively in different situations.
Basics of Self-management:
To perform well at work and life in general, we must be able to manage and
improve ourselves in various skills including discipline and timeliness, goal-
setting, problem solving, teamwork, professionalism, etc.
Some of the basic skills everyone should master to succeed in life:
1. Self-awareness:
Self-aware means that we can identify our strengths and weaknesses. Self-
awareness, therefore, will help us in converting our weakness into strength and
strength into an exceptional talent.
2. Responsibility :
Taking responsibility for the tasks which has been assigned to us is the step
towards self-development.
3. Time Management :
We should make a time table and follow it diligently.
4. Adaptability :
We should prepare ourselves for new changes, so that we can transition
seamlessly.
STRESS :
Stress can be defined as our emotional, mental, physical and social reaction
to any perceived demands or threats. These demands or threats are called
stressors. Stressors are the reasons for Stress
Meaning and Importance of Stress Management :
Stress Management refers to focusing human efforts for maintaining a
healthy body and mind capable of better withstanding stressful situations.
The ultimate goal of Stress management is to strike a balance between life,
work, relationships, relaxation and fun.
Stress Causal Agents
1) Mental: Students can be left overwhelmed, if they are unable to handle
their assignment submission deadlines and examinations grades.
2) Physical: As children grow up, they may become critically conscious of their
looks. Issues related to general well-being and health of an individual can
lead to low self-esteem and cause stress.
3) Social : Discord amongst family members, peer pressure for doing things
which children would
generally avoid , maintaining balance in relationships amongst friends, status
show off may lead to
stress at times.
4) Financial: Youngsters may have aspirational financial stress. This may be of
becoming financially independent.
Advantages of Stress Management :
1. It help us to have a joyful life.
2. It help us to focus and complete tasks on time.
3. It help us to be a happy person as we are stress free.
4. It help us to be more energetic.
ABC of stress management
A: Adversity or the stressful event
B: Beliefs or the way you respond to the event
C: Consequences or actions and outcomes of the event
Steps to Manage Stress :
1. Be aware that we are stressed: Keep a check for signs of stress, such as
headache, sleeplessness, sadness, excessive worrying, nervousness
2. Identify what is causing you stress : Find the reason for your stress. Is it
because of exams, family pressures, money etc.
3. Apply stress management methods : Use time management tools, take good
sleep etc.
Stress Management Techniques
Few simple stress management techniques are:
1. Time management
2. Do physical exercise in fresh air.
3. Eating a balanced diet, such as Dal, Roti, vegetables and fruits.
4. Focusing on positive aspects of life.
5. We should get a good night's sleep for at least 7 hours.
6. Going on vacation with family or friends.
Importance of Stress :
Stress management is vital because it leads to following benefits:
1. Improves mood
2. Boosts immune system
3. Promotes longevity
4. Leads to burst of physical strength, which is vital for reaching goal.
5. Complete mental and physical engagement for task accomplishment.
6. Increases efficiency and effectiveness.
7. Prevents psychological disorders and behavioural problems.
Symptoms of Stress :
Physical signs which may suggest stress are: breathlessness, dry mouth,
butterflies in stomach, indigestion, nausea, acidity, fatigue, sweaty palms, cold
hands and feet, irritation hyperactivity etc.
At the mental level following symptoms may reflect stress: irritation,
impatience, loneliness, upset mood, anxiety,, depression, frustration, boredom,
guilt, insecurity and forgetfulness.
Stress Management Techniques :
Following activities aid in stress management :
1) Physical Exercise : Physical exercise in the form of walking, skipping or for
that matter indulging in any sports has been found to relieve stress as they
stabilize mood, improve self-esteem and induce sleep.
2) Yoga : Yoga is a school of Hindu philosophy that reduces stress. Yoga
includes a series of postures and breathing exercises practiced to achieve
control of body and mind.
3) Enjoying : Recreational activities like watching movies, attending concerts,
playing games, singing, dancing or even sketching can help individuals
transcend to a happier mental state and help manage stress.
4) Meditation : It is a practice where an individual is supposed to focus
his/her mind on a particular object, thought or activity to achieve a calm
mental state reducing stress.
5) Going On Vacations with Family and Friends
Importance of The Ability to Work Independently :
Everyone on this earth should learns the art of working independently. This
typically means that one must learn to take ownership of the task assigned
and leave no stone unturned in accomplishing the task. Following are the
benefits of working independently.
1. Ensures greater learning.
2. Individuals feel more empowered and responsible.
3. It provides flexibility to choose and define working hours and working
mechanisms.
4. Failure and success of the task assigned are accounted by individuals.
5. Individuals become assets to organizations, groups and nations at large.
6. It ensures creativity and satisfaction amongst individuals.
Enhancing Ability to Work Independently :
Ability to work independently can be enhanced by being self-aware, self-
motivated and self-regulated
1) Self-Awareness : Having conscious knowledge of your own self,
capabilities, feelings and one's own character is called as self-awareness.
2) Self-motivated : Self-motivated individuals have an inner urge to do
something, achieve their goals without any external pressure
3) Self-regulated : Self - regulation inculcates discipline that helps in
consistent efforts to move towards goal.
Emotional Intelligence :
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage one's own
emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It generally include at least three
skills:
1. Emotional awareness
2. Harnessing Emotions
3. Managing Emotions
Steps to manage emotional intelligence are as given below:
1. Understand your emotions: We should observe our behavior and work on
things that we need to improve.
2. Rationalise: Do not take decisions abruptly; be rational in your thinking.
3. Practice: Do meditation and yoga to keep yourself calm.
Strength and Weakness Analysis
Being self-aware means that we can identify our strengths and weaknesses.
Self-awareness, therefore, will help us in converting our weakness into
strength and strength into an exceptional talent.
In other words, being self-aware actually means knowing our inner strengths,
hidden talents, skills and even weaknesses
Examples of strengths
1. I am good at creative writing.
2. I am confident of speaking in front of an audience.
3. I play guitar very well.
Examples of weakness
1. I find it difficult to solve mathematics problems.
2. I would like to speak English fluently.
3. I do not like to lose in any game or sports
Difference between Interests and Abilities
Interests
Things that we like to do in our free time.
Things we are curious about or would do even
if no one asked you to do it.
Abilities
An acquired or natural capacity
Enable us to perform a particular job or task
with considerable proficiency.
Self-motivation
Self-motivation is simply the force within us that drives us to do things. Self-
motivation is what pushes us to achieve our goals, feel happy and improve
our quality of life.
In other words, it is our ability to do the things that need to be done without
someone or something influencing us.
Types of Motivation
1. Internal Motivation: LOVE
We do things because they make us happy, healthy and feel good. For
example, when we perform in our annual day function and we learn
something new, such as dancing, singing, etc., so we feel good.
2. External Motivation: REWARD
We do things because they give us respect, recognition and appreciation. For
example, Suresh
Participated in a 100m race and won a prize. This motivated him to go for
practice every morning.
Qualities of Self-motivated People
1. They know what they want from life.
2. They are focussed.
3. They Know what is important
4. They are dedicated to fulfill their dreams
Building Self-motivation
There are four steps for building self-motivation
1. Find out your strengths
2. Set and focus on your goals
3. Develop a plan to achieve your goals
4. Stay loyal to your goals
Self-regulation - Goal Setting
Goals : They are a set of dreams with a deadline to achieve them, for
example, saving pocket money to buy a
favorite mobile phone by a particular date.
Goal setting : It is all about finding and listing our goals and then planning on
how to achieve them.
SMART method
We can use SMART method to set goals. SMART stands for:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time bound
Self-regulation - Time Management
Time management is the ability to plan and control how you spend the hours
of your day well and do all that you want to do.
Example of Time Management
1. Sameera is always punctual at school.
2. Simple has a regular schedule that she follows everyday.
3. Mohini plans for study and play time in advance
Example of non-Time Management
1. Nisha usually arrives late to work.
2. Hema does not submit her assignments on time.
3. Sheetal sometimes gets carried away in certain activities and forgets the
main tasks in hand.
Four Steps for Effective Time Management
1. Organise: We should plan our day to- day activities.
2. Pritortise : We should make a to-do list and rank them in the order of
importance.
3. Control : We should have a control over our activities and time.
4. Track : We should identify and note where we have spent our time.
Tips for Practicing the Four Steps for Effective Time Management
1. Avoid delay or postponing any planned activity.
2. Organise your room and school desk.
3. Prepare a 'To-do' list
4. Replace useless activities with productive activities