By R. Freeman - BioNAV® Health and Wellness
With the latest announcements of layoffs in the tech industry; along with the recent news reports about the U.S. economy, it's no wonder why so many people struggle with stress today. Stress at work is an all-too-common issue that can have profound effects on an individual's mental and physical well-being. In today's fast-paced, highly competitive work environment, employees are under constant pressure to perform at a high level while balancing intense workloads and tight deadlines.
When an employee experiences a layoff or their position is terminated, the event can be devastating for some and a relief for others. Each one of us handles stress differently. For those that have difficulty adapting to the shock, the feeling of pressure and stress can build immediately. If left unchecked, stress can sometimes cause a host of health problems, including anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular disease no matter your age.
Here are a few tips, strategies, and resources that might help boost your morale when faced with one of life's sudden challenges.
Controlling Stress On A Typical Workday
By the time you get to work, you may have already experienced a level of stress from your commute or at home. We'll save that for another article. But once you start your typical day at work, there are things to keep in mind that you can do that may help keep stress levels at a minimum:
Starting off with a positive outlook
Be mindful of your own physical and emotional wellbeing
Prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently
Practice conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
Seek out opportunities for professional development and growth
Establish clear expectations and boundaries with colleagues and management
Try to stay focused on your work tasks, and less gossip
Try to maintain a good healthy diet
Identifying Stress Triggers at Work
One of the best ways to manage stress in the workplace is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. What seems to be common sense isn't so easy; especially if you feel overwhelmed by other factors outside of your working environment. This means identifying potential stressors and taking proactive steps to reduce their impact. Some examples of workplace stress triggers include:
Feeling job insecurity or fear of losing your job
Excessive workloads and unrealistic deadlines
Poor communication and feedback between employees and management
Ongoing conflicts related to poor process planning
Lack of control or autonomy in decision-making
Unclear job expectations, duties, or productivity goals
Committing to working too much overtime can affect home life
A temperamental boss (Moody)
How to Handle the Stress of Downsizing
Another situation is one of the most challenging situations an employee can experience is a layoff or reduction in force. This can be one of the most stressful situations in their life. When companies undergo budget cuts and/or begin restructuring, there are some actions you can take to help cope with stress and maintain a sense of control...possibly even regenerate your motivation to help you stay positive:
Be proactive about your career development and skill-building
Network with colleagues and industry contacts as you look for a new job
Create a budget and savings plan to cushion the impact of a potential job loss
Take advantage of the company's employee assistance program, counseling services, or support system that is provided by your former employer
If your doctor permits, increase your physical activity to "burn off" that anxiety to clear your mind and help you get better sleep and rest
Long-term Effects of Ongoing Work-Related Stress if Left Unmanaged
Stress from work can have long-term effects on an employee's overall health and well-being. When left unchecked, ongoing high-stress levels can lead to:
Inflammation
Weakened immune system function
Excessive weight gain or loss
Poor sleep quality
Strained relationships with family and friends
Physically, job stress can cause muscle tension or headaches, fatigue or exhaustion, and digestive issues. In severe cases, ongoing stress may even lead to future depression or other mental health issues and concerns.
It is essential for employers and employees to recognize the signs of employee stress so that it can be properly managed and contained in order to prevent long-term damage. In the long term, a healthy work environment is beneficial for both employees and employers alike.
Helpful Products to Consider Endorsed by BioNAV®
On the positive side, there are several helpful products on the market to consider when you are ready to take control of your anxiety and stress. These product cate
gories have been endorsed as part of BioNAV's 5-Core Values of Living a Healthy Lifestyle: Fitness, Nutrition, Hydration, Sleep, and Breathing.
It's no surprise that Fitness Tracker sensing technology continues to improve each year. Fitness Tracker Watches and Bands can help you stay motivated to exercise and reach fitness goals.
For those that experience difficulty in getting proper rest, sleep recovery products can help you catch up on lack of sleep and overall physical recovery. One aspect to consider is to help improve your breathing just before going to bed.
Whether you have springtime allergies or have difficulty breathing dry air during winter, the Vicks Personal Sinus Steam Inhaler is a great way to clear air passages to help improve sinus and throat relief.
The BioNAV® team particularly likes this product because of its ease of use, portability when traveling for work or vacation, and the Vicks trusted brand.
Finding the Right Balance Between Work and Life
In the end, managing stress from experiencing a layoff is challenging for anyone. And as that stress builds, it can affect people in different ways depending on their body type, existing ailments, and fitness level. Hopefully after reading this article, you know that the trick is about finding the right balance between work and life. By taking proactive steps to prevent stress, recognizing the symptoms when they arise, and dealing with challenging situations with resilience and determination, employees can reduce the impact of workplace stress on their overall health and well-being.
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