Page 22 - GBC ENG fall 2021

UNDERSTANDING STRESS
Your feelings about the events in your life are very important. By understanding yourself and your reactions to stressful events, you can learn to handle stress effectively. The best place to start is by figuring out what produces stress in your work life, such as:
• Major events in your life: purch- asing a golf course, major reno- va-tions to your course, crisis management (including reacting to forced business closures due to changing governmental regula- tions), moving for employment, marital issues, etc.
• Long-term worries: financial or economic problems, legal con- cerns for your golf course, suc- cession plan for your business, personal and family members’ health struggles, etc.
• Daily hassles: no-shows on the tee sheets, rude customers, new protocols during the pandemic, equipment breaking down, new technologies, staffing issues, etc.
THE STRESS RESPONSE
When you find an event stressful, your body undergoes a series of changes, called the stress response. There are three stages to this response.
Stage 1: Mobilizing Energy
Your body releases adrenaline, your heart beats faster, and you start to breathe more quickly. Both good and bad events can create this reaction.
Stage 2: Consuming Energy Stores
If, for some reason, you do not escape from the first stage; then your body begins to release stored sugars and fats from its resources. At this stage, you will feel driven, pressured and tired. You may drink more coffee, smoke more, and consume more alcohol than is good for you. You may also experience anxiety, memory loss, and illnesses.
Stage 3: Draining Energy Stores
If you do not resolve your stress problems, the body’s need for energy will become greater than its ability to produce it, and you will become chronically stressed. At this stage, you may experience insomnia, errors in judgement, and personality changes. You may also develop a serious sickness, such as heart disease, ulcers or mental illness.
TIPS FOR COPING WITH STRESS
Because each of us is different, there is not one “correct” way to cope with stress. However, there are several different things that can be done, and it is helpful to look at both short and long-term solutions to reducing stress.
1. Identify your problems: Is your job, your relationship, money worries or all of the above caus- ing you stress? Are unimportant, surface problems masking sub- stantive, deeper ones? Once you have identified the problems, you can take steps to fix them.
2.Solve your problems: Start thinking about solutions. What can you do, and what will be the consequences? Should you talk to an expert or consultant about your golf course’s finan- cial challenges? Should you take advantage of a group pur- chasing program? Should you participate in grow the game initiatives? Are there resources available through your various golf associations that you could take advantage of? If you fol- low this problem-solving strat- egy, you should be able to make some changes to take the pres- sure off yourself. This long-term approach of reducing stress in your life is something everyone, sooner or later, will need to do.
3. Talk about your problems: You may find it helpful to talk about your stress. Other golf course owners and operators may be experiencing similar challenges or may have implemented suc- cessful strategies to help them deal with a similar situation or stressor. In addition, friends and family members may not realize that you are having a hard time. Once they understand, they may be helpful in two ways: first, by listening to you talk about your feelings and second, by suggest- ing solutions to your problems. If you need to talk with some- one outside your own circle of friends and relatives, your fam- ily doctor may be able to refer you to a mental health counsel- lor.
4. Learn about stress management:
There are many helpful books, films, videos and courses to help you cope with stress. There are also counsellors who specialize in stress; ask your family doc- tor for a referral to one. There may also be community college courses and stress management workshops available in your community.
5. Reduce tension: Physical activ- ity can be a great stress reducer. Go outside and play golf! You may find it helpful to learn some relaxation exercises. Another simple exercise is stretching – stretch and relax each part of your body, starting from your neck and working downward; exhale as you stretch, and in- hale as you release the tension. If you make a habit of taking pressure off yourself by getting rid of your tension, you will find yourself less stressed and more able to solve the problems that caused your stress.
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Golf Business Canada