Stressed out at work? Some responses healthier than others
At some point, everyone in the workforce has had to deal with work-related stress.
Working people may be plagued with stress on a daily or weekly basis. The stress can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from the office environment, to coworkers, to too many meetings, to a lack of advancement opportunities or excessive work loads.
While working is a necessity of life, the stress doesn't have to be. Learning to manage stress can help maintain your health, well-being, and sanity.
One of the first means of management for work-related stress is understanding the negatives.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, common reactions to a stressful event or situation can be tension, irritability, anxiety, difficulty making decisions, loss of appetite, anger, increased use of alcohol or drugs, depression, sleep problems, headaches and trouble concentrating.
Continued stress can also lead to problems such as depression, obesity and even heart disease.
There are ways to help manage stress, however, both in the workplace and at home. Some of the standout methods include avoiding drugs and alcohol, finding support, connecting socially, taking care of yourself and staying active, according to the CDC.
"Seek help from a partner, family member, friend, counselor, doctor, or clergy person. Having someone with a sympathetic, listening ear and sharing about your problems and stress really can lighten the burden," according go the CDC.
A key component in regaining control over stressful situations it to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. This can include eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep and taking breaks during stressful times and situations.
Tiffany Lenau, owner of Yoga Roots and Healing Arts in Petoskey, recommends setting a timer at your desk every 55 minutes to remind yourself to get up, move around, stretch or get some water,
Getting in the habit of moving around for a few minutes, or taking a few deep breaths every so often can help clear your mind and get your blood circulating.
While some stress can be caused by the need to work itself, certain things we surround ourselves with in the office can make a big impact on our day.
For example, the position of your computer monitor can play a big role in putting unnecessary strain on your body and eyes, according to Lenau.
"When people sit at a desk, they need to be keep the screen at eye level. If they're looking down or up, they're putting strain on the neck," Lenau said.
Having poor posture in an office chair can cause tension to build in your shoulders, neck, and back, leading to discomfort throughout the day.
Lenau recommends putting tennis balls underneath your desk and rolling your feet to massage out tension and target stress relieving pressure points.
While there are things you can do at your desk to make your day easier on both your body and mind, leaving the office during lunch can have big impacts on your day.
Whether it be taking a walk around town, hitting the local gym, heading to a store to browse, reading a book at the park, or taking in a 30-minute yoga class, a break in your day gives you time to refocus.
"You can take your mind off your problems with activities like helping a neighbor, volunteering in the community, and taking the dog on a long walk. These can be positive ways to cope with stressful feelings," the CDC notes.