Stress
Pressure is part and parcel of all work and helps to keep us
motivated. But excessive pressure can lead to stress which;
undermines performance, is costly to employers and can make people
ill.
Causes of Stress:
- pressure to perform at work or at school
- threats of physical violence
- money worries
- arguments
- family conflicts
- divorce
- bereavement
- unemployment
- moving house
- marriage
Symptoms of Stress:
- periods of irritability or anger
- apathy or depression
- constant anxiety
- irrational behaviour
- loss of appetite
- comfort eating
- lack of concentration
- loss of sex drive
- increased smoking, drinking, or taking recreational drugs
There can also be physical effects, which may include
the following:
- excessive tiredness
- skin problems, such as eczema
- aches and pains resulting from tense muscles, including neck
ache, backache and tension headaches
- increased pain from arthritis and other conditions
- heart palpitations
- feeling sick
- stomach problems
- for women, missed periods
To help avoid stress/recover from
stress the following were suggested:
- take regular exercise - even if you are not sporty, brisk
walking for 30 minutes every day can be a very effective stress
buster
- delegate or share your responsibilities at work - making
yourself indispensable can be a major source of problems
- learn to be more assertive - for example, not agreeing to
things you know you can't do well or know shouldn't be your
responsibility
- don't drink too much alcohol or take drugs - these will not
help you to cope better and may make you ill
- don't drink too much caffeine
- try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruit and
vegetables
- set aside some time to organise yourself
- find some quiet time to listen to music or relaxation
tapes
- learn breathing techniques - this can help you to "centre"
yourself and slow down.
Links
For more information on stress please visit www.hse.gov.uk/stress (opens in
a new window).
Contact
Health and Wellbeing Team
Environmental Health (Commercial) Services
Telephone: (01902) 696682
Fax: (01902) 696222
Email: env.commercial@sstaffs.gov.uk