Stress-The Silent Killer

Biologically or medically, Stress is a term that is commonly used today but has become increasingly difficult to define. It shares, to some extent, common meanings in both the biological and psychological sciences. Stress typically describes a negative concept that can have an impact on one’s mental and physical well-being, but it is unclear what exactly defines stress and whether or not stress is a cause, an effect, or the process connecting the two.

In small doses, stress is a good thing. It can energize and motivate you to deal with challenges. But prolonged or excessive stress — the kind that overwhelms your ability to cope — can take a severe psychological and physical toll. High-stress levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal problems, impaired immune response, and cancer.

Clinical symptoms of Stress:

Symptoms Signs of stress may be cognitive, emotional, physical, or behavioral.

Cognitive symptoms

1. Memory problems


2. Inability to concentrate


3. Poor judgment


4. Pessimistic approach or thoughts


5. Anxious or racing thoughts


6. Constant worrying

Emotional symptoms

1. Moodiness


2. Irritability or short temper


3. Agitation, inability to relax


4. Feeling overwhelmed


5. Sense of loneliness and isolation


6. Depression or general unhappiness

Behavioral symptoms

1. Eating more or less


2. Sleeping too much or too little


3. Isolating oneself from others


4. Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities


5. Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax


6. Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

Stressors:

Stressors are the causes of stress. It can be any environmental condition that places a physical or emotional demand on the person.

Stressors at Work Place:
 

Some common workplace stressors are:

1. Work Overload


2. Projects’ Deadlines


3. Meetings


4. Low task control


5. Harassment and incivility


6. Work Timings


7. Work overload


8. Professional Politics


9. Job Insecurity


10. Lack of Promotions


11. Shift work; especially rotating shifts

Major Elements To Cope Out Stress:
There are three major keys to coping with stress at the workplace and to maintain a healthy environment:

1. Identify your stress Triggers or Stressors


2. Time Management


3. Take steps to curb job burnouts

Stress Coping Methods at the Workplace:

1. Be Proactive


2. Meditation


3. Yoga


4. Reiki


5. Understanding Organizational Behavior


6. Developing Positive Teamwork Relationship with Colleagues and Boss


7. Developing Healthy Work Schedules


8. Training in Substance Abuse Awareness.


9. Providing Employees Relaxing and  Facilities to stress out


10. Appreciation of employees on their work completion
    
    Examples:

Yoga, Meditation, and Breathing Exercises are the best Bio-scientific methods to cope with stress at any place. Similarly, workplace stress can also be coped out by the use of these natural methods. Yoga, on the other hand, minimizes the impact of stress on the individual. Yogic science believes that the regular practice of asanas and pranayama strengthens the nervous system and helps people face stressful situations positively. Tension is not a modern phenomenon.

Yoga is not a miracle cure that can free a person from all stress, but it can help to minimize it. The worries of modern life deplete our reserves of bioenergy because we draw on our vital energy from the storehouse - the nerve cell. This can, ultimately, exhaust our energy reserves and lead to the collapse of mental and physical equilibrium. In yoga, the experience of relaxation means moving from the outside to the inside, becoming aware of this introversion and maintaining balance and stability. This science believes that the nerves control the unconscious mind and that when the nervous system is strong, a person faces stressful situations more positively. Asanas or the exercise positions in yoga, improve blood flow to all the cells of the body, revitalizing the nerve cells. This flow strengthens the nervous system and its capacity for enduring stress.

Similarly, breathing exercises, which are a part of Yoga, are also extremely helpful in de-stressing a stressed mind and body.

Negative Energies developed due to professional politics, overload or work or other reasons can be turned down by practicing the exercises of yoga and meditation. It might seem unpractical, but in reality, these natural methods are extremely practical ways of coping with stress at workplaces.

Proactivity and Positive Thinking at Work Place:

Being proactive and positive, avoiding negative situations and giving positive responses to negative stimuli is the best way to cope with stress at the workplace.
 

References
 

• www.wikipedia.com


• www.thepsychologist.org.uk


• www.mayoclinic.com


• www.workhealth.org


• http://pk.msn.com/lifestyle/healthandfitness/wf/2012/april/yogaandstress/yoga-and-stress.aspx?region=pk.