What is stress? This word is used frequently in conversation, but what does it actually mean to experience stress? According to renowned psychologist Richard Lazarus, “stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.”
Stress and HealthAccording to ScienceDaily.com, a recent study suggests that prolonged stress at work may be linked to heart disease. This same study found that those who are stressed at work are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as poor dieting habits and infrequent exercise.
Boss and Coworker Stress
At work, many people balance deadlines and office interactions. Often times, negative relationships with bosses and coworkers can exacerbate an already stressful work environment. Some bosses may be overly critical, set unrealistic deadlines, or belittle employees. Some coworkers can be very clique oriented, leaving less popular team members to feel isolated.
Financial and Domestic Stress
At home, facing relationship and financial challenges can often lead to stress. The two actually go hand in hand, as financial challenges have the potential to negatively affect relationships. When people feel anxious or fearful about their financial security, they can become argumentative and overly sensitive.
Tips for Eliminating Stress
- Take time for you. Some people may argue that setting time aside for yourself is easier said than done, but it’s such an important part of minimizing stress. Even if you only dedicate an hour of “alone time,” it can have a profound impact on your mood and greatly decrease your stress levels.
- Exercise frequently. Getting regular exercise improves heart health, cholesterol levels, emotional balance and lowers stress overall. If you don’t currently have an exercise routine, take a walk once or twice each day. Start with a twenty-minute walk and gradually increase the time by five minutes every three weeks. Just be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
- Take a bubble bath. To some, this idea may sound quaint, but relaxing in a warm tub of water filled with bubbles can be very soothing. Adding a drop of lavender oil to your bath is a great way to enhance the experience, as lavender has calming and relaxing properties.
- Read a good book. If you are someone who enjoys reading, spend at least thirty to sixty minutes each day delving into a good book. It can be a wonderful distraction from life’s daily stresses.
- Create a date night. If you’re in a relationship, set aside a day just for the two of you and celebrate the same day every week. Make it a point not to talk about work, finances or any other topics that tend to produce negative emotions.
Life is not always a smooth journey. There will always be challenges that can potentially elevate our stress levels. However, finding ways to prevent and eliminate stress is a very important part of experiencing a full and happy life.
References
European Society of Cardiology (2008, January 22). Stress At Work Is Linked To Heart Disease. ScienceDaily.
Martha Davis, 2000, The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, New Harbinger, Oakland, California, USA
Taylor, S.E., 1999, Health Psychology (Fourth Edition), McGraw-Hill, Singapore
Sabrina Kinckle - Sabrina Renee Kinckle has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, creating stories was a major passion of hers, as she ...
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