The Directorate of Career Placement and Counseling organised a Stress Management and Relaxation Workshop for University staff on Thursday, February 29. Held at the G.M. Afeti Auditorium the event was facilitated by Mr. Sedem Amedome, a Clinical Psychologist and the University’s Guidance and Counseling Officer.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Mensah in his opening remarks, highlighted the detrimental effects of stress on productivity and job satisfaction, particularly in the hyper-competitive academic environment marked by publication and teaching burdens.
Mr. Amedome underscored the prevalence of stress in academia, citing statistics from the American Psychological Association indicating a rise from 4.5 in 2014 to 5.6 in 2021. He elucidated various forms of stress, cautioning against their potential to induce lasting, life-altering consequences.
In addressing stress management strategies, Mr. Amedome urged participants to adopt holistic approaches encompassing dietary modifications, adequate rest, regular exercise, and talk therapy. Practical tips on organisation, delegation, anger management, and flexibility were also emphasized, with an acknowledgment of the absence of quick fixes in stress management.
Expressing optimism about the workshop’s potential to foster a culture of work-life balance within the University community, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ben Honyenuga advocated for proactive stress management styles and the utilization of professional support resources, and underscored the importance of periodically changing environments to alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.
Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions on navigating academic demands while safeguarding their mental and physical well-being.