Tips for Dealing With Work-Related Stress

Do you experience work-related stress on a regular basis? If so, you aren't alone. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly 7 in 10 Americans report physical symptoms caused by stress. This may include increased blood pressure, trouble sleeping, indigestion, headaches, muscle tension and other related problems. Whether you experience any of these symptoms or not, you should take action to reduce your stress levels.

Allowing your stress levels to rise unchecked can lead to a vast array of health problems. We've talked about this before on the SafetyCompany.com blog, but it's worth mentioning again that heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States, taking the lives of more than 600,000 people annually.

While doctors are still learning more about heart disease, they've identified stress as a leading risk factor, meaning men and women who experience high levels of stress are more likely to develop heart disease. This alone should be reason enough to take action to lower your stress levels

Here are some of the top causes of stress, as per the APA's report:

• Money
• Work
• Economy
• Family
• Relationship
• Family health
• Personal health

As you can see, "work" is the second leading cause of stress. When it comes to their job/career, many people experience an overwhelming amount of stress. If you lose your job, how will you pay your bills? What about that promotion you were hoping to receive? What kind of tasks will have you to complete today? These are just a few of the reasons why work is such a leading culprit for stress. On the plus side, however, there are steps you can take to reduce work-related stress.

For starters, you should get into the habit of exercising on a regular basis. Studies have shown that people who are physically active experience lower levels of stress than people who live a sedentary lifestyle. The reason for this is that exercising promotes the production and release of hormones known as endorphins, which are believed to lower stress while creating a slightly euphoric sensation.

You should also limit the amount of time you work. This doesn't necessarily mean cutting back on your normal 40-hour workweek, but rather allowing yourself to have vacation time once in a while. Even if it's for just two or three days, a short vacation can make a world of difference in your stress levels, giving your body and mind time to recover.