Office Stress Relief

While Stress may be a great motivator, stress isn't always good for your health.

In one US study as many as 56% of workers described their jobs as very stressful. This gives some indication as to how prevalent work-related stress is in the world today.

Stress is caused by various factors, not all of which are work related. Stressors, or causes of stress, come in two categories; Internal Stress and External Stress. Internal Stressors include physical ailments, or psychological problems, while External Stressors are caused by physical conditions such as hot or cold conditions, abusive relationships, bullying or badmouthing in social settings, etc...

From these two, it is easy to see that work can be a source of both.

Stressors are also described as either Acute (short term) or Chronic (long term):

Acute Stress is a reaction to an immediate threat. This is when the primitive part of the brain and certain chemicals within the brain cause a reaction to potentially harmful Stressors or warnings (just as if preparing the body to run away or defend itself), such as noise, over-crowding, danger, bullying or harassment, or even an imagined or recalled threatening experience. When the threat subsides the body returns to normal, which is called the 'relaxation response'.
Chronic Stress are those pressures which are ongoing and continuous, this type of stress has a greater effect on the mind and body. Examples of chronic stress include: ongoing pressure at work, ongoing relationship problems, isolation, and persistent financial worries.

The work environment can generate both acute and chronic stress, but is more likely to be a source of chronic stress.

Stress is proven beyond doubt to make people ill, and evidence is increasing as to number of ailments and diseases caused by stress. Stress is now known to contribute to heart disease; it causes hypertension and high blood pressure, and impairs the immune system. Stress is also linked to strokes, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ulcers, diabetes, muscle and joint pain, miscarriage during pregnancy, allergies, alopecia and even premature tooth loss.

Stress significantly reduces brain functions such as memory, concentration, and learning, all of which are central to effective performance at work. Certain tests have shown up to 50% loss of performance in cognitive tests performed by stress sufferers. Some health effects caused by stress are reversible and the body and mind reverts to normal when the stress is relieved. Other health effects caused by stress are so serious that they are irreversible, and at worse are terminal.

So what can we do to reduce stress in our workplace? And in our lives?

Some Answers I do have for you at Office Stress Relief Come check it out!