Fundamentally, as human beings we all aspire to
happiness and fulfillment within our daily lives; we do not tend to seek out
pain and suffering. With increasing
cognizance combined with heightened scientific evidence linking a correlation
with our own states of mind and our happiness, there exists much importance in
having a healthy outlook on life, starting from within oneself: our minds.
For many of us, a job is not only a source of income;
it is a silhouette of our identity and a place where we spend more than half
our lives. If we are not on the job
physically, we may still find our minds wandering within the realms of our
workplace and the impending ‘tomorrow!’
Stress, what is it? Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary states
that stress is “the result produced when a structure, system or organism is
acted upon by forces that disrupt equilibrium or produce strain”. Simply stated, stress abounds from any
emotional, physical, social, economic, or any factor feeding on response or
change. ‘Positive stress’ is a healthy
form of stress as it may motivate us to excel; however, should stress build to
the point where one can no longer cope, issues will take rise both mentally and
physically.
A healthy dose of stress provides us with the
energy and motivation to meet our daily challenges both in the workplace and at
home. It is in these situations whereby
positive stress helps us to ‘rise’ to a challenge. It encourages us to meet our personal and
professional goals such as deadlines, sales margins, attaining new clients; as
well as sustaining valued relations in both personal and professional arenas,
and so forth. In ascertaining success in
having met the challenge, we are inevitably filled with a sense of pride and
happiness.
So when does stress become unhealthy? First and foremost, when our daily challenges
become more of a source of frustration, exhaustion, and irritability. When challenges at work become too demanding
or changes at work or at home takes a heavier command on our minds, leading us
down an unhealthy path towards mental and physical ailments. Depression and anxieties may fester; leaving
such a culprit unhandled can lead to a saddened state of life in both the
workplace and personal lifestyle.
What then may be done in order to prevent such
unrest? Speaking primarily from the
vantage point of the workplace, listed below are just a few examples of
positive and pro-active ways of managing work related stressors.
1.
Take charge of your situation. Set and re-set priorities. Handle the important and challenging tasks
first. Remembering to organize your time
effectively will bring about positive results.
2.
Be realistic about what you can
change. Do not set yourself up for
frustration. Ensure that your goals are
realistic and attainable. Do what is
possible. Accept your limitations and
learn to grow with the flow of change.
3.
Be honest with colleagues. This includes your boss.
4.
Let your employer help. Many companies help their employees deal with
the effects of stress through numerous services offered either by the company
or government operated facilities, not to mention countless others. Find out what services are available and best
suited for you.
5.
Recognize danger signs of job
stressors. Learn the symptoms and take
action before they encapsulate your world.
6.
Take control of your physical
health. Good physical health increases
your stress tolerance. Sensible eating
and sleeping habits with plenty of exercise aids in stress relief. Try to eliminate alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
as they only succeed in altering our body’s natural rhythm and sleep.
7.
Learn to relax. Find your ‘happy place’. Be it a hobby, a sport, music, reading,
writing, even a brisk walk. Use it to
create a ‘bridge’ between work and home life.
Almost all of us
have, at some point, have felt depressed over stressful life events. This depression may temporarily affect
concentration and performance at work, slowly migrating into one’s home-life
and personal well-being. Be honest and
open with your employer/family and friends and seek out assistance in
de-stressing your lifestyle. Re-gain
your mental happiness and you too shall reap the fruits of your laboured love
in business and pleasure.
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