With the number of people suffering from work related stress increasing each year, the International Stress Management Association has released a top ten stress buster list.
It is reported that in 2006/07 there were a total of 13.8 million working days lost to work related stress, anxiety and stress. A number of the lost days could have been avoided if the early signs were picked up and people knew what caused stress and how to deal with it. So here are the top ten:
1. Exercise - This is very effective in reducing stress, it improves blood flow to the brain, helping you think more clearly. Evidence also shows that fit people are better able to handle the long term effects of stress.
2. Have a good work-life balance - It is important to make time for relaxation and fun and not let work rule your life. To do this you might have to reduce the number of hours you work or even change jobs so that your commuting time is reduced.
3. Smile - Although this might sound a bit stange it is true, smiling helps reduce stress. When you smile your body releases feel good hormones, while the hormone that causes stress, cortisol, is reduced. So next time your stressed just smile.
4. Get enough rest and sleep - This is not just about doing nothing but also about switching of from work by concentrating on other things and enjoying your free time either by spending time with family, holidays, hobbies and sport. Also sleep is very important not only for general health, energy and concentration, but if you are not getting enough sleep this make affect you at work and cause more stress.
5. Reach out to others - You can’t always deal with everything on your own. So whether it is friends, family or co-workers everyone should have people they can call on to help either in the practical way or just someone to talk to.
6. Hugging - Again not the first thought that might come to mind when you are stressed but make sure you get and give hugs as not only does it feel good but it also helps to reduce the stress level cortisone.
7. Relaxation - This can help you deal with any stressful situation as it arises. There are a number of relaxation techniques from deep breathing and visualization to meditation and self hypnosis.
8. Eat a healthy diet - A balanced diet is essential to provide the nutrients your body needs to deal with stressful situations. Also avoiding stimulants like caffiene and depressants like alcohol and nicotine will keep blood levels constant and help avoid mood swings.
9. Positive thinking - Try to adopt a positive outlook on life and this can help reduce the negative tension that can lead to much stress in your life.
10. Seek professional help - If you feel that all else has failed and stress is still a major problem, there are lots of people who can help.
Tags: Industry, Useful work information by Andrew //
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