Published on Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007
ONE MORNING I was caught in a major traffic jam. Well, I savoured the moment of respite, listened to music and caught the latest cricket score. However, the harsh truth is that all along the wait I was honking, wringing my fists and venting my frustration on all and sundry. It was as if a fire alarm had gone off in my head! I was getting abominably late for a meeting. In actuality, the most dreaded disease `stress' was overpowering my life.
Pressure is omnipresent. Stress is how you react to these pressures. Some may take taxing situations in their stride (and win hands down too!) while others may collapse easily. It is a matter of perception.
Work stress pervades our lives in the form of harmful physical and emotional responses when the requirements of a job do not match our capabilities, resources or needs. The result? High staff turnover, absenteeism and low morale. Calling in sick to get a break has definitely become a mantra for survival! A recent study by Neurofen states that 40per cent people took time off work because of stress related problems.
Employees are exposed to a range of stressors on the job like job insecurity, poor interaction and communication in the company, bullying, high noise levels, lack of growth, rapid changes, repetitive work, boss pressures and insensitivity to employees' needs take a toll on employee health and productivity.
Unwarranted stress inevitably hampers performance and growth. The effects of stress include:
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty in decision making
Lack of self esteem
Insomnia
Inability to cope with work (even routine)
Avoidance of situations
Withdrawal symptoms
Burnout
Am I a victim of stress?
Recognising and acknowledging that you are stressed is half the battle won. Situations may be overwhelming or out of control. If you hear the machines humming in your sleep, it is time to sit up and take stock!
Why do I get stressed?
Stress is caused by our perceptions of the situations we are in than the events themselves. Stress cannot be attributed only to demanding work. It is not how long you work; it is how you work. A new job or a move to a new job could be very stressful.
What can I do about it?
Inculcate a proactive environment, beat stress at its own game.
A relaxed, positive outlook can work wonders.
Say cheese! A genuine smile can change your attitude and outlook.
Identify the causes and work on them. Seek out professional counselling if required.
Seek support from family, friends and colleagues to get out of of stressful situations.
Regain your confidence. You can overcome diverse situations and emerge a winner.
A healthy body harbours a healthy mind. Exercise regularly and see the difference.
Manage your time and your schedules. Allocate substantial leisure time
Avoid procrastination.
Delegate work. Shouldering responsibilities beyond your ability will stress you out.
Slow your pace. Modify your lifestyle and learn to relax.
Take a break.
Follow the rule `never ever take work home'. Spend quality time with family
When you are happy with what you are doing, stress will be absent.
Employers must provide a healthy working environment and this includes mental well being too.
They must take pre-emptive action. In-house facilities like gymnasiums, professional counselors, massage and relaxation centres help combat stress.
Stress is like a flowing river. If harnessed, it can spread much goodness in the form of challenges and excitement. If untamed, it could spell doom. So, learn to control stress before it overpowers you.
Pressure is omnipresent. Stress is how you react to these pressures. Some may take taxing situations in their stride (and win hands down too!) while others may collapse easily. It is a matter of perception.
Work stress pervades our lives in the form of harmful physical and emotional responses when the requirements of a job do not match our capabilities, resources or needs. The result? High staff turnover, absenteeism and low morale. Calling in sick to get a break has definitely become a mantra for survival! A recent study by Neurofen states that 40per cent people took time off work because of stress related problems.
Employees are exposed to a range of stressors on the job like job insecurity, poor interaction and communication in the company, bullying, high noise levels, lack of growth, rapid changes, repetitive work, boss pressures and insensitivity to employees' needs take a toll on employee health and productivity.
Unwarranted stress inevitably hampers performance and growth. The effects of stress include:
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty in decision making
Lack of self esteem
Insomnia
Inability to cope with work (even routine)
Avoidance of situations
Withdrawal symptoms
Burnout
Am I a victim of stress?
Recognising and acknowledging that you are stressed is half the battle won. Situations may be overwhelming or out of control. If you hear the machines humming in your sleep, it is time to sit up and take stock!
Why do I get stressed?
Stress is caused by our perceptions of the situations we are in than the events themselves. Stress cannot be attributed only to demanding work. It is not how long you work; it is how you work. A new job or a move to a new job could be very stressful.
What can I do about it?
Inculcate a proactive environment, beat stress at its own game.
A relaxed, positive outlook can work wonders.
Say cheese! A genuine smile can change your attitude and outlook.
Identify the causes and work on them. Seek out professional counselling if required.
Seek support from family, friends and colleagues to get out of of stressful situations.
Regain your confidence. You can overcome diverse situations and emerge a winner.
A healthy body harbours a healthy mind. Exercise regularly and see the difference.
Manage your time and your schedules. Allocate substantial leisure time
Avoid procrastination.
Delegate work. Shouldering responsibilities beyond your ability will stress you out.
Slow your pace. Modify your lifestyle and learn to relax.
Take a break.
Follow the rule `never ever take work home'. Spend quality time with family
When you are happy with what you are doing, stress will be absent.
Employers must provide a healthy working environment and this includes mental well being too.
They must take pre-emptive action. In-house facilities like gymnasiums, professional counselors, massage and relaxation centres help combat stress.
Stress is like a flowing river. If harnessed, it can spread much goodness in the form of challenges and excitement. If untamed, it could spell doom. So, learn to control stress before it overpowers you.
PAYAL
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