Work-related stress is a major problem in the world that affects the health and safety of workers. Many companies subject their staff to stress, which affects their physical and mental health, in an effort to pull ahead of their competitors.
When stress is overlooked, it can affect bodily functions such as the immune system, the respiratory system, the nervous system, and others. This makes employees focus less while working, which leads to poor performance and further health concerns. According to Safety and Health magazine, stress can also lead to an increase in workplace accidents.
Symptoms of Stress
Your health should be your first priority, but it can be hard to tell when your stress levels are too high. Here are some of the physical symptoms of stress to be aware of:
- Chest/back pains
- Digestive trouble
- Upset stomach
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Muscular tension
- Fatigue
There are also emotional symptoms that can signal increased stress levels according to Medical News Today, including:
- Aggression
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Forgetfulness
- Irritability
- Trauma
- Sadness
Common Stress Triggers
There are underlying factors that trigger stress at work which can lead to injuries if not held in check. These factors include:
- Nature of the job: Jobs that are not suitable for an individual to handle, often lead to them working under intense pressure, which affects mental health greatly. According to a poll from NPR news, workers experience high levels of stress because of overworking, and this includes working long shifts and not being able to take time off.
- Impromptu rescheduling or inconsistent work hours: Lack of proper communication when it comes to work duties can make employees unable to meet deadlines. This makes them unable to adapt well. When this happens, stress is inevitable.
- Poor management: When the management of an organization is not well-structured, it can create job insecurity among employees. When resources are insufficient, it discourages employees or puts undue pressure on them to meet with the demands of the company.
How to Manage Stress
Here are a few tips on how you can manage your health while still performing your work duties:
- Exercise: Physical exercise helps the body to feel less stress and stimulates the release of endorphins. These are feel-good chemicals that help to trigger a positive feeling in the body.
- Healthy diet: This can build up your immune system and fight diseases. To achieve this, endeavor to eat a balanced diet with lots of colors on your plate. Don’t forget to stay hydrated.
- Adequate sleep: Sleep helps to relax your muscles and makes you feel more refreshed.
- Yoga: Yoga improves both your spiritual wellness and also boosts your physical stamina.
- Meditation: This is a great way to calm your senses when they go into overdrive from stress. It takes away your physical and emotional stress, making you feel better at work.
It’s important to manage your stress and the tips above should help you achieve this. Just take it one step at a time. If you suffered an injury due to high stress levels at work, let our team of professionals handle your workers compensation case. At Erwin McCane and Daly, we are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
