‘Research shows that 90% of Australians feel stressed – with 74% of people reporting being stressed from work.’ – Lifeline (2021).
What is stress?
According to helpguide.org (2021), stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. The stress response is your body’s way of protecting you.
What are the chronic effects of stress?
According to lifeline (2021), feeling stressed is perfectly normal for a short period of time and is actually a good thing which helps motivate you to focus on work, or meet deadlines. However, other times it can be overwhelming making it difficult to concentrate on anything. Chronic stress is detrimental to your health and may lead to the following:
- Depression & anxiety;
- Pain;
- Sleep problems;
- Autoimmune disease;
- Digestive problems;
- Skin conditions, such as eczema;
- Heart disease;
- Weight problems;
- Reproductive issues;
- Thinking and memory problems;
- Exhaustion;
- Headaches and dizziness;
- Acne;
- Frequent sickness;
- Decreased energy;
Stress at work:
Helpguide.org (2021) explains that while some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and performance, impact your physical and emotional health and affect your relationships and home life.
How do we know when the stress we are experiencing is too much?
Stress threshold differs form person to person. When you are experiencing multiple of the list above, you should be shifting your focus to look after yourself to help you destress.
How can you destress at work?
- Talk about your feelings with friends and family, otherwise with a professional;
- Maintain a positive outlook which will make a difference in your ability to handle stress;
- Practice mindfulness at work, even for 5 minutes (WHS Vic love the app ‘Insight Timer’;
- Read a book or magazine for a few minutes;
- Walk around the block;
- Make yourself a cup of tea;
- Focus on slower, deeper breaths;
- Doodle for a few minutes;
- Try to incorporate a fitness class before or after work;
- Listen to music;
- Book a massage or spa treatment;
(Source: thisiscalmer.com, 2021).
Stress Down Day chalenges you to set a task for yourself for 30 minutes, recognising the importance of taking some time out to relax your mind and body and give yourself a break. Ideas may include:
- 30 minutes of yoga;
- A walk around the block or along the beach;
- Swim;
- Ride;
- Dance