Stress is a normal physical reaction and can be positive in short bursts, but overlong periods of increased stress exposure lead to a decrease of personal well being and work efficiency. A worldwide PhD survey done by Nature in 2019 * has reported a high level of stress connected problems within PhD students. This has put the focus on a problem that is affecting many researchers. The COVID-19 pandemia has further intensified the problem + , highlighting the need to develop a program to give practical tools to prevent and manage stressful situations. Sources: *https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-03459-7 + https://theconversation.com/covid-stress-syndrome-5-ways-the-pandemic-is-affecting-mental-health-147413

Topics to be discussed:
● What is stress? Definition and types of stress
● Stress and how it affects our health: short term and long term effects
● Recognizing personal stress signals
● Responding vs. reacting to Stress
● Handling stress at the workplace- practical tools