My job is literally a headache. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t go home and have to take Tylenol. I feel tired all the time, and cannot get much done at night.
My husband wants me to quit, but unfortunately, we don’t have much of a choice. In this economy, we need the money. My mother says she is afraid that living under this constant stress is going to add up and cause me real health problems. I am not the only one at work that feels this way. A lot of the problem stems from my boss, who is just plain mean.
Do you have any suggestions?
Stressed Out Salesperson in Sheepshead Bay
Dear Stressed Out,
I am sorry your work is so unbearable. Unfortutunately, you are not alone in this problem, and especially in today’s economy, many people are forced to stay in jobs which are demanding, unsatisfying and often unpleasant.
Your mother has a real concern, which is backed up by recent studies.
Just last week a study demonstrated that women who report having high levels of job stress are at 90% increased risk of having a heart attack, compared with women who have low levels of stress at work.
In the past, job stress and heart attacks were only associated with men. Unfortunately, women have caught up.
Job stress is often associated with a demanding job, with little or no decision-making authority or opportunities to use one’s skills or creativity.
The study also found that job insecurity contributed to high blood pressure, increased cholesterol and obesity.
Women now comprise nearly half of the labor force, with 70% of all women holding some kind of job. The topic of health-related issues in the workplace is extremely important, as the stress lays the path for current and future health problems.
As a result of workplace stress, one may experience various health issues, including chronic fatigue, stomach problems, frequent colds, loss of libido, lack of sleep and generalized irritability.
As reality does not allow you to leave your job, there are things you can do to help reduce the unpleasantness.
• Control what you can — eat right, exercise, only drink alcohol in moderation, and get enough sleep.
• Don’t overcommit yourself. Try to leave for work 10-15 minutes early each morning to avoid the stress of running late. Plan regular breaks. Try to find humor in your situation.
• Develop relationships with supportive co-workers and those who have positive attitudes.
• Know your limits. You may be able to do many things at once but please remember, you are human, not superwoman.
• Look at the big picture. Will the stress you are having in this moment have much significance in the long run? Is it worth causing your health to deteriorate
With the holidays just few months away, increased stress is something we will all be facing.[hr]
Reducing stress is vital for your physical health and peace of mind.
Try:
– Deep breathing exercises
– Writing in a journal
– Guided imagery
– Sharing a laugh with friends [hr]
Here is a short list of things we can all do to reduce our stress levels:
• Start a Stress Journal — write about the stress you face and how you deal with it. Just writing about stress helps to reduce it.
• Deep breathing — inhale a full breath for three-to-four seconds, then exhale slowly — works very quickly.
• Progressive relaxation — alternate tensing and relaxing muscles starting with the feet and going to the head.
• Guided imagery — think of that beautiful beach on a summer’s day, or whatever makes you feel most relaxed and peaceful.
• Take pleasure in small things, like a short walk around the park or planting flowers.
• Laugh a lot — it’s a great anti-depressant
• Massage
We may not be able to avoid the stress of a bad job, but we can learn to better deal with it and focus on the good things in life.
As the song goes —
“When you’re worried and you can’t sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep,
“And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.”
Until next week, be well.[hr] Dr. Steven Garner is a Fidelis Care provider who is affiliated with New York Methodist Hospital, Park Slope. He also hosts “Ask the Doctor” on The NET, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Channel 97 Time Warner and Channel 30 Cablevision.