by Susan Pataky
We all know where the phrase ‘going postal' came from.
Such behavior, while extreme, has been attributed to extreme levels of stress and clearly reveal the impact it can have in
humans. While not exclusive to the workplace such extreme outbursts are always the culmination of numerous factors. That moment
of feeling helpless, feeling there is no other way out. Much like the way water pressure builds to elicit a geyser. Stress
is the catalyst with a cumulative effect, building over a period of time, but does the end result of such a build up always
have to be explosive?
Stress management skills
and coping skills learned through on-site or afterwork programs affords the worker bees ways to unplug prior to an explosion
of any magnitude. Overwhelmed employees complain about juggling family responsibilities, enormous workloads, deadlines, long
commutes and the like as some of the factors responsible.
Such
skills are paramount and companies of all sizes are beginning to take notice and offer them. Mindfulness of employee well-being
goes a long way to improve the ‘bottom line', productivity, sick days and on-site accidents/injuries -high stress workers
are 30% more likely to have accidents than those with low stress and 60-80% of on-the-job accidents are attributed to stress.
The signs of job stress vary from person to
person, depending on the particular situation, how long the individual has been subjected to the stressors, and the intensity
of the stress itself. Typical symptoms of job stress can be:
- Insomnia
- Loss
of mental concentration,
- Anxiety, stress
- Absenteeism
- Depression,
- Substance abuse,
- Extreme anger and frustration,
- Family
conflict
- Physical illnesses such as heart disease,
migraine, headaches, stomach problems, and back problems
Solutions to this growing problem can be quite simple and cost effective. The ancient therapeutic
traditions as well as modern medical research speaks about the intimate relationship between our breathing patterns and our
physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Breathing also affects our state of mind and consequently makes our thinking
either confused or clear. In addition, taking the time to find and protect whatever time you get to refresh, re-energize and
re-motivate yourself. Spend quality time with your family. This can be an excellent source of emotional and moral support
as well.
Lastly, develop positive attitudes towards
stressful situations in life. Give up negative mental traits such as fear, anger and revengeful attitudes, which actually
germinate stress. Try to revert to holistic relaxation and personal growth techniques such as meditation, breathing and exercises,
to remodel your lifestyles.
