Stress in the workplace

    Starting a new career can be exciting. Sometimes, the hardest part is starting and becoming accustomed to the job. Once you are settled into the routine and desired daily work tasks, working becomes simpler. However, when the workplace stress is greater than the desire to work at your current organization.  

   Let's look at what stress is. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stress as a state of "worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Stress events affect our body physically and mentally. The key importance is that we all experience stress to some degree; what’s important is how each individual responds. It is critical in an organization to assess the work environment for factors precipitating stress.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stress as a state of “worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Stress events affect our body physically and mentally. The key importance is that we all experience stress to some degree; what’s important is how each individual responds. It is critical in an organization to assess the work environment for factors precipitating stress.

Let's start with defining how stress affects our body physically, the fight or flight response kicks in, and the following hormones glucocorticoids, which encompass cortisol are released. Along with the adrenaline as well.  This can be seen in increased breathing, which is known as hyperventilation. Stress can play a significant factor in increasing the heart rate, called tachycardia.  New onset of headache, stomach cramps, and binge eating. Long-term effects of stress can result in high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, elevated cholesterol, heart attacks, and an increased predisposition. Cortisol is released after the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis is stimulated. To sum it up, stress can cause physiological symptoms in the body.

At work, signs of stress can be recognized as: difficulty with concentration, altered moods anxiety, and depression.

 Not all forms of stress are bad for you.  Eustress (Challenge) is defined as positive stress that helps motivate an individual to become more accomplished in performing tasks and finishing deadlines. Distress is negative stress that can result in unproductiveness, emotional response of being overwhelmed, and chronic disease.

What steps can be taken to reduce stress?

Depending on the work and environment, and your role, reducing stress may vary from person to person. Journaling the experience and evaluating your feelings and response to the stressor.

Developing healthy habits at work it can be hard to take time out to have healthy habits in a busy work environment. Let's explore some ways to take a moment for self, a small walk to step away from the stimulating environment. Yoga is known as a non-strenuous method of exercising and maintaining movement.

Establishing clear boundaries /establishing clear boundaries is not always easy to do, but accessing needed assignments and duties, and appropriate relationship interactions can be beneficial in reducing stress in the work environment.

Making time for yourself. As previously discussed, avoiding burnout. Remember to do regular self-care and maintenance and regulate yourself. Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing can help relax the mind, assist in emotional control.

Asking for help and building your support system. Its beneficial if your work-related stress is affecting your productivity to let your supervisor know. Brainstorming solutions to stressors and adjusting to work environment factors.

Understanding stress is not uncommon in the workplace, yet with effective stress management techniques, clear descriptive roles, and effective communication, barriers related to stress can be addressed.