Clear Channel Entertainment

Clear Channel Entertainment

Stress is typically regarded as being unhealthy for us, but a little bit is actually necessary to survive. Stress is any tension within our body-mind system. Since all activity involves shifting energy by the creation and release of tension, this means that we could not even move without it! Stress itself is not unhealthy unless it is poorly managed, causing extremely high or prolonged states of tension. If allowed to stay out-of-balance, stress can manifest as any number of disturbances and illnesses.

Primary causes of stress within Clear Channel Entertainment are too much irritation, frustration, impulsivity, poor judgments, anxiety, depression and inability to deliver. Physically, stress can lead to knotted muscles of the shoulders and back, eyestrain, headaches and a lowered immune system. These early symptoms, if not addressed, can escalate until they contribute to diseases of all sorts, accidents, and a tendency to self-medicate with powerful drugs that can lead to addictions. Also, too much stress can lead to what is known as "burn out," an experience in which one becomes depressed, unmotivated, physically drained and confused.

The optimal stress level for employees at Clear Channel Entertainment comes from leading a balanced lifestyle. The "symptoms" of a balanced life are regular experiences of: a general sense of well-being; mental clarity and alertness, moderate -to- high physical energy, and; the ability to alter our energy to endure the inevitable stressors that confront all human beings. People who maintain a balanced lifestyle are generally better able to stay clear, focused and calm when under pressure for the simple reason that they are not worn-down to begin with! Our body-mind can be compared to a car, a horse, or any other vehicle. When well cared for, it is able to perform masterfully under stress. When neglected or abused, it is likely to quit on us just when we need it most.

Sources of Stress

Anything can be a source of stress for employees at Clear Channel Entertainment, but there are certain areas of life which are more likely than others to generate excess stress. These include schoolwork, families and other personal relationships, problems with health, finances and sexuality, and of course, life changes of any kind. Interestingly, stress is as likely to occur from positive events as it is from negative ones. On a stress scale developed by Dr. Richard Rahe, marriage is considered only 15 points less stressful than divorce. Even holidays and vacations are commonly stressful to families, for they too represent changes.

One indicator of your potential stress-inducers are your values. Stress often results from conflicts that we experience between that which we highly value, and the reality of available resources and time. For instance, you may value your family life, yet feel unable to be with them because of the hours that you are required to work. This is the problem for many employees at Clear Channel Entertainment. They work so many hours that they don’t have much time to spend with their families. You are likely to feel more stress regarding this situation than someone who does not value spending time with family as much. Perhaps your job suited you well when you were younger, unmarried and without children, but now your needs and values have changed.

Coping With Stress

There are three, primary approaches to managing stress. Alter your attitude or your typical response.

Change your mental interpretation of the immediate situation, so that it is less upsetting. Be realistic and flexible when considering events that cause stress. "Life or death" situations are generally quite rare, and getting anxious can wear you down needlessly. Find a positive way to interpret situations that you cannot change, so that you can process and release anger and guilt.

Try and get away physically from the source of stress long enough to relax. Go for a walk if at work, or if you cannot leave the building, try finding a private corner and doing some stretches, relaxation breathing, or other quick stress release activity.

Changing your mind or your typical behavior is an effective way to stop the stress cycle immediately in its tracks.

Change the situation that is causing stress.

When you are away from the stressful event and can focus better, look at your situation objectively. Isolate the primary cause of stress and the feeling that it causes. Address this, even though it may seem to cause more stress in the beginning. If the