Work stress is more than just having a couple of bad days at the office. While small issues like unanswered phones, or a bust photocopy machine can cause instant stress, bigger issues like having too much work on your plate, or conflict with a boss or colleague, can lead to long-term stress.
How Much Stress Is Too Much?
We’ve said it before: some stress is normal, and even good for you. It releases hormones that give you a burst of energy, make you breathe faster and speed up your heart – which can useful when you’re on a tight deadline. Long-term stress, however, is never any good. Here’s why:
- It weakens your immune system and leaves you vulnerable to illness
- It can make chronic pain worse
- It can lead to other health problems such as high blood pressure, back problems, depression and heart disease
Why Do People Get So Stressed at Work?
Stress is a natural response to excessive pressure, demands and deadlines, but it can also be triggered by:
- Bullying
- Lack of support
- Victimisation
- Increased work pressure
- Management changes
- Increased responsibility
- Job satisfaction and performance ( feeling insecure about job performance is a major source of stress for many people)
- Uncertainty about work roles (trying to balance the demands of more than one boss can be stressful)
- Poor communication
- Unpleasant or uncomfortable working conditions.
What are some of the symptoms of high-stress?
Some of the most common physical symptoms of stress include:
- Pounding heart or palpitations
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headaches and migraines
- Aches and pains
- Loss of appetite
- Low sex drive
If you feel as though you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for a while, then it could be a sign that you’re battling with excessive stress at work.
How can I beat this type of stress?
It starts with how you deal with stress in the first place. If you find you smoke or drink more when you’re stressed then this is the first thing you need look at changing. Channel stress elsewhere – hit the gym, hit the dance floor, start yoga and meditation classes, or take up a high intensity sport such as kickboxing.
Too much stress can make you physically ill, but even if it doesn’t, it can still leave you feeling tired and run down – so start taking the necessary steps now to eliminate or at least reduce your work stressors.