Choose How You React to Stress

Competing demands from the workplace compounded by the needs of your spouse, children, extended family, and other responsibilities in your life often result in higher than normal stress levels which need to be consciously managed, especially when these levels of stress are off balance for a long period of time.

Many circumstances contribute to increased levels of stress. Competition in the workplace which frequently promotes self interest can result in diminished feelings of well being and trust. Struggling economic conditions and competition have resulted in less secure employment opportunities illustrated by frequent corporate mergers, downsizing, and outsourcing initiatives. Commutes to work have become longer for many as cities spread outward. Heavy traffic, aggressive driving, crowded trains, buses and terminals are common. Pressures of getting yourself to work on time for the important meeting after getting your children to school on time only to find traffic backed up due to the accident on the freeway.

Feeling stressed, yet?

There are many circumstances contributing to increased stress levels which sometimes can't be prevented, but should be consciously managed. Stress reduces your energy and eventually leads to health problems if not managed properly. It should be no surprise there is an increase in stress related health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease strokes, anxiety, and depression. Often times stress leads to alcoholism and dependencies on drugs such as prescription sleeping pills and medicines intended to calm you which have side effects which are arguably worse than the symptoms being treated and can be addictive. If you suffer from extreme stress for a long period of time, your body and mind will eventually wear down. Long term stress such as constant worry over your job, constant pressure, finances, chronic family illness, or some hardship resulting in a perpetual grind on your life can drain you of energy reducing your ability to perform and greatly reduce the quality of your life and the people around you.

Of course, not all stress is bad. Sometimes stress may actually be good resulting in stimulation which challenges you to reach your full potential. Stress may give you extra energy needed for a particular situation. This good type of stress, such as what you feel before an important job interview, exam or sports activity, may stimulate you to perform your best.

***Recognize the Affects of Harmful Stress***

Extended periods of stress may affect you physically and behaviorally and can eventually lead to chronic conditions difficult to manage such as:

1. Constantly feeling tired

2. Finding it difficult to sleep over an extended period

3. Losing your appetite or eating too much over an extended period

4. Frequently getting sick or having an increase in headaches/migraines, stomach problems, or aches and pains which can't be explained

5. Constantly worrying or feeling anxious which can eventually lead to anxiety disorders and depression if not managed

6. Feeling overwhelmed having trouble making decisions

7. Experiencing extremes in your mood such as impatience, frustration, irritability, anger, anxiety, and depression which you may have difficulty controlling

8. Experiencing an increase in dependence on food , alcohol, tobacco, or drugs

You probably know someone who is or has experienced one or many of these affects of stress. Perhaps you!

***Consciously Manage the Affects of Stress When You Can't Eliminate the Sources of Stress***

If it were only as simple as removing the source of your stress in your life! Where survival and family responsibility is concerned, there is not always a quick solution or choice for most people. Sometimes how you manage the source of stress requires making choices involving planning worked out over time or just simply breaking the cycle of what is causing your stress such as taking a walk at lunch time to get away from the stress you are experiencing at work. Think about how you can consciously manage stress. Don't let circumstances resulting in stress manage you! Often times you can't stop the source of stress, but you can recognize what it is doing to you and choose how you react to it. There are lifestyle choices which can help you manage the effects of stress. It is important to recognize your limits and listen to what your body is telling you and do something about it.

***Make Time to Exercise***

There are many solutions to help you manage the affects stress has on your body. Everyone is unique and what works for one, may not work for the other. However, there is one solution which is equally important for everyone. EXERCISE! This is one of the most effective ways of managing the effects of stress has on your body and the overall benefit promotes good general health. Depending on your condition, this could be as simple as walking for 30-40 minutes or a moderate run. All you have to do is step out the door and put one foot in front of the other. It's cost nothing and can be done almost anywhere. Make time for some type of physical exercise and you will experience an increase in stamina helping you to feel more whole.

***The Workplace - Leading Source of Stress***

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reports the following statistics about workplace stress:

- 40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful

- 25% view their jobs as the number one source of stress in their lives

- Three fourths of employees believe that workers have more on-the-job stress than a generation ago

- 29% of workers felt quite a bit or extremely stressed at work

- 26 percent of workers said they were "often or very often burned out or stressed by their work"

- Stress is more strongly associated with health complaints than financial or family problems

Going to work is something most of us have to do and there is usually plenty to worry about once you get there. There are ways to manage workplace stress and often you can and should work at avoiding stress. You may not be able to entirely avoid it, but you should try. Workplace stress often occurs when you feel like everything needs to get done right now. Does it really?

***Tips to Reduce Workplace Stress***

1. Focus on one task at a time and ask yourself what is really important. Try not to let yourself get caught up in tasks which provide little benefit. Multi-tasking sounds good, but if you are in the game for the long haul, beware of burn out from too much multitasking over an extended period. Work at maintaining a balanced schedule and don't over commit yourself.

2. Take short breaks throughout the day to clear your mind. Try to get time away from your desk for lunch. Stepping away from work for even a brief period of relaxation will help you recharge to be more, not less, productive.

3. Always running late? Don't add to your stress by running late when it can be avoided. Try to leave earlier in the morning.

4. Resist negative thinking. If you see the downside of every situation and interaction, you'll find yourself frequently irritated and this will eventually drain you of energy. Consciously try to be positive and find humor where you can. It works. Subtly, avoid negative-thinking co-workers.

5. Take care of yourself outside of the work place. In general, you will be able to deal with stress better when your own needs are taken care of. The better you feel, the better you will be able to manage work stress without becoming overwhelmed. Lack of sleep leaves you vulnerable to stress. When you're sleep deprived, you are less able to handle stress.

Remember! When stress can't be avoided in your life, you must choose how you react to this stress and consciously managed the affects stress has on you. You must make a decision to be in control of stress and commit to this objective.