Physical Sensations and Behavioural Reactions to Stress

Physical sensations often mark rising stress. In optical practice this can appear as shoulder tension, shallow breathing, a racing heart, a tight stomach, clenched hands, a headache or a feeling of being physically "braced". Those bodily changes affect behaviour, increasing the chance of rushing, avoiding, over-checking, speaking sharply or losing track of the next safe step.

The Five-Part Model treats physical and behavioural responses as part of the stress cycle. Noticing them lets staff act deliberately rather than react automatically. That matters for calm presence, respectful communication, safe dispensing, accurate records, careful observation and reliable handover.

Managing physical stress signals

• Breathing techniques: slowing the out-breath can reduce the sense of urgency.
• Muscle release: softening the jaw, dropping the shoulders or unclenching the hands can halt physical escalation.
• Grounding: feeling both feet on the floor or focusing on one physical point can restore steadiness.

Recognising behaviour under stress

Behavioural reactions commonly follow bodily activation. In optical practice these may include:

• Rushing: moving faster but less steadily, especially during patient or customer support, contact lens checks, collections, referrals, paperwork or handovers.
• Avoiding: delaying a difficult conversation with a patient, customer, family member or colleague.
• Over-checking or freezing: becoming stuck as confidence falls.
• Reacting sharply: sounding abrupt or defensive with patients, customers, family members or team members.

These behaviours can extend the stress cycle, particularly if they cause misunderstandings, missed information, increased distress or a poorer team atmosphere.

Clinical role example

Addressing physical sensations and behaviour early makes it less likely that stress will spread through the rest of the shift. The aim is not instant calm but to stop escalation and regain steadier control.