Headaches and muscular pains are common ailments put down to stress

Stress itself is not harmful - without it people have no drive. Distress is harmful and that is what can lead to clinical anxiety and depression.

Some people find working to deadlines invigorating while others can’t cope so it is difficult to say what is a dangerous level of exposure.

High levels of stress are believed to lead to a range of health problems including muscle pain, headaches, digestive problems, heart attacks and cancer.
 

    10 WAYS TO HELP BEAT THE SYMPTOMS

1 Avoid nicotine, alcohol and caffeine. People often smoke or drink to help alleviate stress, but because they are all stimulants they merely add to the problem.

2 Exercise. Pressure releases adrenaline in the body, which can cause muscles to tense. Physical activity cuts adrenaline and produces hormones to improve your mood.

3 Deep breaths. A series of deep breaths can be done anywhere and at anytime. They can have a profound calming effect.

4  Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for the body to function properly and poor sleep can leave you short-tempered.

5 Make time to relax Find a hobby to take your mind off the trials of the day.

6 If you fall ill, take some rest. Don’t just carry on regardless. Working will tire the body and prolong the illness.

7 Talk about the problem. Talking through a problem can ease anxiety about it.

8 Learn to accept what you can’t change. If you cannot do anything about it, there is little point getting in a state over it.

9  Listen to your body. When you are tired, hungry or thirsty, do something about it. Eating healthier food and drinking water can help make a difference.

10 Learn to say ‘no’. Simple but effective. Sometimes it is the best response when work is mounting up. When said appropriately, it can be said without guilt.


For more information and help on work related stress, go to our stress index