Stress

Stress at work is a relatively new phenomenon of modern lifestyles. The nature of work has gone through drastic changes over the last century and it is still changing at whirlwind speed. They have touched almost all professions, starting from an artist to a surgeon, or a commercial pilot to a sales executive. With change comes stress, inevitably. Professional stress or job stress poses a threat to physical health. Work related stress in the life of organized workers, consequently, affects the health of organizations.

What`s It?

Job stress is a chronic disease caused by conditions in the workplace that negatively affect an individual`s performance and/or overall well-being of his body and mind. One or more of a host of physical and mental illnesses manifests job stress. In some cases, job stress can be disabling. In chronic cases a psychiatric consultation is usually required to validate the reason and degree of work related stress.

Symptoms

The signs of job stress vary from person to person, depending on the particular situation, how long the individual has been subjected to the stressors, and the intensity of the stress itself.

Typical symptoms of job stress can be:

• Insomnia

• Loss of mental concentration,

• Anxiety, stress

• Absenteeism
• Depression,

• Substance abuse,

• Extreme anger and frustration,

• Family conflict

• Physical illnesses such as heart disease, migraine, headaches, stomach problems, and back problems.

Following are some of the long-term tips to survive stress:

•Even if we feel secured in a habituated life, the truth remains that changing with the times makes one`s position more secure. In today`s business climate, you must continually be prepared for changes to avoid stress and survive in the competitive world.

• Find and protect whatever time you get to refresh, re-energize and re-motivate yourself. Spend quality time with your family. This can be an excellent source of emotional and moral support.
• Avoid giving in to alcohol, smoking and other substance abuses while under constant stress.

• Develop positive attitudes towards stressful situations in life. Give up negative mental traits such as fear, anger and revengeful attitudes, which actually germinate stress. Try to revert to holistic relaxation and personal growth techniques such as meditation, breathing and exercises, to remodel your lifestyles.

• In case of chronic stress consult a health professional.

• Reduce workplace stress by celebrating your`s or your colleagues` accomplishments.

•Adapting to demands of stress also means changing your personality. Improve your line of communication, efficiency and learn from other`s experiences.

•Don`t be complacent. Be prepared for any change physically, emotionally and financially.

But, when you are under stress at work, some simple practices can help:

•Sit straight and comfortably on your seat, and try breathing exercises. It will relax your nerves and muscles.

• Relax and count backwards (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15….)

•Try creative visualization

• Ensure that you are following a healthy lifestyle:

1. Get adequate sleep and rest to maintain your energy levels

2. Ensure that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet—bad diet can make you ill or feel bad. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake

3. Try to recognize your spiritual needs that may have been buried under the mires of worldly pursuits

• Develop alternative activities such as a relaxing hobby to take your mind off problems.