Stress is emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressures from the outside world. It is almost impossible to live without some stress, and most people wouldn’t want to because it also adds some spice and excitement to their lives. A certain amount of pressure brings out the best in our work; however, problems appear if stress gets out of control and affects our health.
Too much stress is bad for employees and employers alike. In the UK, for example, stress-related illnesses are the main cause of lost working days, and companies are urged to consider their costs and legal implications. Surveys confirm that major causes of work-related stress today tend to be overwork, long hours, and poor communication, not only between employees and management but also among employees themselves.
The most common stress reactions include tension, irritability, inability to concentrate, problems with memory, and a variety of physical symptoms: headaches, sweaty palms, shortness of breath, and fast heartbeat. Emotional signs may include feelings of frustration and loneliness, which in turn can evoke negative thoughts and thus cause various health problems such as migraine, insomnia, and depression.
If you feel stressed-out, think of ways to relieve stress. The first step is to find out what stresses you most. Is there anything you can do to change those situations? Think of what you can do to reduce the intensity of your reaction to them. Can you reduce your exposure to stress? (e.g., take a break, leave the office and eat out instead at your desk). If you put more effort into defining your priorities, and consequently (re)organizing your schedule, you can, even in the short run, reduce your workload and save yourself some time and nerves.
