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Controlling Stress Should Be Job One
By Scorelogix Research Group
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Being stressed out has become an all too common catch-phrase. The daily pressures of relationships, finances and raising children can take its toll on the body. But workplace stress probably gets the most attention, as many people try to cope with feelings of pressure, anxiety and burnout on a daily basis.
In a recent report, more than 40 percent of American workers described their jobs as “very” or “extremely” stressful. And along with the actual stress being an issue, the attitude toward stress can be an even bigger problem. In today’s fast-paced society, where workers are facing longer commutes, later hours and increasing demands, they have accepted that stress is the standard and status quo. It’s just something that goes along with the territory.
But the thinking is dangerous, as the effects of stress can produce and exacerbate a wide range of health problems.
“Anxiety, stress and neurotic disorders are associated with acute and chronic post-traumatic anxiety,” a report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health states. “These disorders are more severe than the average injury or illness. Affected workers experience a much greater work lost than those with all nonfatal injuries or illnesses.”
Not only does stress bring on illness, it breaks down the body’s natural defense systems in dealing with viruses like the common cold or chicken pox. Stress can increase the inflamed hormones that lead to diabetes, obesity, arthritis and digestive disorders. It can have devastating psychological effects, leading to depression and aging of the brain. But its impact on the heart tends to be the most dangerous consequence of stress. When stress leads to increased blood pressure and narrowing of the blood vessels, the risk of heart attack or stroke skyrockets.
A study published in the British Medical Journal, found that people confronted with the least amount of job control, whether it’s real or perceived, had a higher risk for heart disease. Three years after the study, those who said they still had low job control were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack.
When the brain is confronted with stress, it responds in two ways. In one, the brain sends a signal to the adrenal glands, which release stress hormones called epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones command the body to increase its heart rate, breathing, and send a surge of blood flow to muscles and the brain. This reaction can boost a person’s performance ability in the short-term, but constant exposure to these two hormones leaves the body vulnerable to bacteria and virus. The brain’s second reaction affects the pituitary gland, which releases a hormone called cortisol. Excessive cortisol exposure shrinks brain cells, impairs memory and leads to abdominal fat.
So with the health consequences clearly spelled out by the media and medical agencies, why are so many people unwilling to acknowledge the impact of workplace stress? One simple word: success. With a culture that’s driven by money and status, for some, taking on pressure-packed jobs can lead to financial rewards that are too tempting to pass up.
With the potential of financial gain for those willing to take on the stress, there is also a tremendous financial burden that taxes the healthcare system. According to NIOSH, a federal government agency linked with the Centers for Disease Control, employees who say they are stressed end up with healthcare costs that are 46 percent higher than workers who say they’re not stressed.
Furthermore, the American Institute of Stress, reported that workplace stress costs more than $300 billion in additional healthcare costs and missed work days annually in the United States. And while stress is something workers throughout the world are subjected to, Americans make up the bulk of combating the complications with medication. According to Neurogen, a drug discovery and development company, “more than $800 million is spent annually on anti-anxiety pills. The U.S. accounts for 5 percent of the world’s population and consumes 33 percent of the pills.”
But medication is far from being the only answer for stress. In fact, there are dozens of simple and obvious solutions to combat stress in the workplace that take little time, and require only a small amount of will.
The most common treatments begin with diet, exercise and relaxation exercises. At the office, taking breaks and using vacation time has been proven to reduce workplace stress. Something as simple as a 15-minute walk has been shown to alleviate the bonds of stress.
Other non-traditional methods of curbing stress include ancient rituals, such as tai chi and new-age ones, like magnetic stimulation. Of course, the forces of stress are unique to each individual, as are the methods of control and treatment.
The Scorelogix Research Group studies, researches and analyzes important topics related to the economy, salary, career, unemployment & job security, relocation, self-improvement, and personal finance; and develops insights and analysis which is presented to Scorelogix users as career advice articles and publications.
Email your comments to research@scorelogix.com
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