| Stress can be a dehibilitating condition at work or away from it. |
When the clock radio alarm goes off on a Monday morning, many people have no desire to go in to work. The day is packed. They have meetings back to back all morning. In the afternoon, they have to prepare for their upcoming business trip, dictate letters to their administrative assistant and read dozens of e-mails. Who knows if they’ll even have time to eat lunch.By this time may people are feeling so stressed that they’re contemplating calling in sick.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the federal agency which researches work-related illness and injury, defines job stress as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of a job do not match the capabilities, resources or needs of the worker. The consequences of such workplace stress are serious.
Studies have found that work stress increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, psychological disorders and other health problems.
Signs of job stress vary from person to person, according to the duration of stressors and intensity of the stress, but some symptoms are insomnia, loss of mental concentration, absenteeism, depression, extreme anger or frustration and physical illnesses.
Such stresses are caused by an array of workplace factors, but some common ones include job insecurity, adjusting to workplace culture, and mental, physical or sexual harassment
It’s important for the sake of a persons health to try to reduce workplace stress. Here are some ideas for doing that.
•It’s hard to focus at work when a person can barely keep their eyes open, so try to get at least seven or eight hours of sleep a night. Don’t have the time? Build more rest into a schedule by going to bed 10 to 15 minutes earlier and /or maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even during vacations and on weekends.
•Start the day off right with a healthy and energizing breakfast. When time is short pack a yogurt, fruit or other foods, and munch at it while working.
•It may be hard to schedule exercise into the day, but it’s a proven stress reliever. Participate in some form of exercise to give the body an extra burst of energy. Try activities like yoga, aerobics or working out at a gym.
•Don’t smoke, drink or abuse other substances to reduce stress. They will only make things worse.
•Individuals should work in a way that works for them. Pick up the phone and call a friend. Turn on some soothing music. By making time for pleasurable activities, a person can help your stress levels subside.
Providing stress relief at work is a different animal from when a person is on free time. here are some tips.
•It may sound like a new age technique, but aromatherapy can reduce stress. Apply calming oils of scents like rose, lavender or nutmeg to pulse points for a calming sensation.
•Sit straight and comfortably in a seat or chair. Try breathing in and exhaling to relax the nerves and muscles.
•Encourage colleagues and human-resources staff to take time out to celebrate accomplishments. Host a retirement party. Go out for a drink to celebrate a coworker’s birthday.
•Everyone should take a break from work. Try to take that full half hour or hour for lunch. When that can’t be done, small breaks can do wonders. Go for a short walk around the office or outside.
•Increase your water and don’t overindulge on caffeine, which will only make the body crash later on.
After trying some or all of these techniques and chronic stress is still a problem or mental and physical burnout or other feelings that are changing, consult a healthcare provider.