Stress Awareness

Americans are known for placing great emphasis on work and career. Working hard, however, should not be confused with overworking at the expense of relationships and physical health. According to a 2007 nationwide poll by the American Psychological Association (APA), three-quarters of Americans list work as a significant source of stress, which over half of those surveyed indicating that their work productivity suffered due to stress. Furthermore, almost half stated that they did not use their allotted vacation time and even considered looking for a new job because of stress. Job stress is also a concern for employers, costing U.S. businesses an estimated $300 billion per year through absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover and direct medical, legal and insurance fees.

Stress can significantly affect physical health. The APA survey found three quarters of people have experienced physical symptoms as a result of stress, such as headache, fatigue, and an upset stomach in combination with feelings of irritability, anger, nervousness, and lack of motivation. 

The stress people are experiencing comes, in part, from the pressures of today's connected world. Because of email, cell phones, and the internet, Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to switch off from the stresses of the workplace and concentrate on their personal priorities - over half of respondents said that job demands interfered with family or home responsibilities.

Increased stress can lead to using unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, comfort eating, poor diet choices, inactivity and drinking alcohol to manage their stress. APA warns that reliance on such behavior can lead to long-term, serious health problems and offers these strategies for managing your work-related stress:

• Know yourself. Be aware of your stress level and know what stresses you out. People experience stress in different ways. You may have a hard time concentrating or making decisions, feel angry, irritable or out of control, or experience headaches, muscle tension or a lack of energy.

• Recognize how you deal with stress. Do you engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking or eating poorly to cope with your stress? Do you lose patience with your children or spouse or coworkers when you feel overwhelmed by work pressures?

• Turn off and tune in. Communication technology can take you to productivity heights never imagines, but it can also allow work to creep into family time, dinner and vacations... Let technology be a tool that works for you, rather than the other way around.

• Keep a "To-Do" list. Worried that you'll forget something important? Constantly thinking through all the things yo need to get done? Clear your head and put those thoughts on paper (or in an electronic task list) by creating a list of work and personal tasks and marking those with the highest priority.

• Take short breaks. Stay energized and productive by taking a minute or two periodically throughout the day to stand up, stretch, breathe deeply and shake off the accumulating tension. Take a 10 - 15 minute break every few hours to recharge and avoid the temptation to work through lunch. The productivity you gain will more than make up for the time you spend on break. 

• Find healthy ways to manage stress. Work to replace unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating junk food, smoking or drinking alcohol with healthy behaviors like exercise, meditation, or talking with friends and family. Some behaviors are very difficult to change and may require the help of a licensed professional such as a psychologist. 

• Take care of yourself. Eat right, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and engage in regular physical activity. Take regular vacations. No matter how hectic life gets, make time for yourself, even if it's just simple things like reading a good book, listening to your favorite album, or enjoying a leisurely Sunday brunch at your favorite cafe.

• Ask for professional support. Accepting help from supportive friends and family can improve your ability to manage stress. Your employer may also have stress management resources available through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including online information, available counseling and referral to mental health professionals, if needed. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by work stress, you may want to talk to a psychologist, who can help yo better manage stress and change unhealthy behavior. 

Source: www.apa.org
Courtesy of Wellness Proposals

If you feel overwhelmed by stress and are experiencing side effects from a high stress lifestyle, speak with your healthcare provider about what options are available to you. Acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, and exercise have all shown to reduce how a person's body responds to stress and can provide coping tools.  Advanced Healthcare & Spine Center provides medical services, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Call our office at 912-427-8433 to find out how we can help you.