Cinergy Health & Life

Reducing Stress at Work

IN MEN'S HEALTH

For most men, having a career is an important part of life. However, performance expectations, fear of layoff and office politics can lead to workplace stress, which can affect your health and mental well-being.

Side Effects of Job Stress

Stress is the natural response our bodies and minds have to demands placed on them and can be heightened in the workplace. While job stress can help you meet deadlines and achieve personal goals, it also can negatively affect your physical and emotional health when ignored or untreated.

Prolonged job stress can lead to chronic headache and stomach pains, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and even heart disease.

Along with the toll job-related stress takes on your body, the strain on your emotional health can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, cynical attitudes towards others and yourself, and depression.

Downsize Your Daily Grind

Following these tips will help alleviate workplace stress:

Make the most of breaks. Even 10 minutes of time focused on something other than work can help relieve stress. Take a walk, sit quietly and breathe or talk with a co-worker about a topic unrelated to work.

Change your negative thinking. Try to think positively about work, appreciate your accomplishments and avoid co-workers with bad attitudes.

Set reasonable goals. Talk with your supervisor about your job description and set achievable performance goals.

Make allies at work. Knowing that you have co-workers who are willing to help you in times of need also will reduce your stress level.

Stress Sources

Stress at work can come from many different sources. Whether dealing with work overload or tension with co-workers, knowing the major sources will help you identify work stressors.

The four most common sources of job stress are:

  • Control. Studies have shown that workers who have a great deal of responsibility but little decision-making power in their jobs are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and other stress-related illnesses.
  • Increased responsibilities. Taking on too much work or not knowing your performance limits can perpetuate stress.
  • Communication. When you are unable to express your concerns, frustrations or other emotions, your stress levels will increase.
  • Clarity. Feeling unsure of what your job duties are or how they may be changing in the future can cause anxiety at work.


Sources: menshealth.about.com, medicinenet.com, webmd.com

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