Dealing with Workplace Stress

Occupational stress is a serious problem that affects millions of men and women. Some people may turn their heads at the thought of stress posing any real issues to their health and/or well-being. Granted, in some cases stress may cause little more than anxiety. In other cases, though, it can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, insomnia, fatigue, and more.

Stress may originate from virtually anything in a person's life. Whether it's financial hardship, relationships, health, etc., our bodies respond to adverse scenarios by creating the symptoms that are commonly associated with psychological stress. Among the most widespread sources of stress, however, is a person's job or occupation.

Most Stressful Jobs

So, which jobs are the most stressful? According to a recent report published by CareerCast, military tops the list as being the most stressful job, followed by firefighter, airline pilot, police officer, event planner, public relations, broadcaster, newspaper report, and then taxi driver.

Take a Vacation

Whether you work in one of the aforementioned occupations or not, though, you can reduce your stress levels by following some simple steps, beginning with taking a vacation. Studies have shown that nearly 40% of Americans choose to NOT take their vacation days. Working a full 40-hour week for 52 weeks will take a toll on both your body and mind, increasing stress levels. But you can counteract this phenomenon by giving yourself some occasional time off for rest and relaxation.

Don't be Afraid to Say 'No'

Rather than accepting a job or task that you know you cannot accomplish, don't be afraid to reject it. Some workers are stuck in the mindset of accepting every task that comes their way, regardless of whether or not they can feasibly accomplish it. In doing so, they end up backing themselves into a corner from which they cannot escape. If a task is too difficult, time-consuming, or if you simply do not have the resources for it, say "no."

Prioritize Tasks

Last but not least, you can lower occupational stress by prioritizing your tasks. Productivity experts recommend creating a "to do" list either at the beginning of the workday or the night prior to the workday, prioritizing your tasks based on their level of importance. You can then start at the top of the list, working your way down throughout the day.