Work comes with stress. Sometimes that stress is a short term symptom related to a high-profile project or anxiety over recent changes.
However, those working in the wrong job can experience long term stress leading to serious health problems.
Signs Of Stress in the Workplace
- Trouble falling asleep, or waking throughout the night without being able to return to sleep.
- Grinding teeth during the night.
- Changes in eating habits
- Sudden weight gain or weight loss
- Stomach issues, including aching, diarrhea, and ulcers
- Unusual headaches or migraines
- Feeling tired all the time
- Having a short temper with friends and family
- Overall feelings of depression
Stress Causes Health Problems
Feeling stressed? You might be in the wrong job. When a person is in the wrong job for them, dealing with stress is often only a temporary solution.
As difficult to deal with as stress symptoms may be, the long term health risks associated with stress in the work place are much worse. Those who experience extreme stress on the job without making a change may begin to experience chronic ulcers and muscle pain. Continued stress can even contribute to heart attack, nervous disorders, and psychological problems.
Stress does not always act alone to create health problems for those in the wrong job. Many times, individuals with a high stress level feel too tired for exercise, eat more junk food as a way to feel comforted, or turn to cigarettes, alcohol or even drugs. All of these activities complicate stress related health issues.
Dealing with Work Place Stress
Those who are not ready or willing to leave their current job can apply some short term actions to alleviate stress. Even though fatigue sets in at the end of the day, finding time for exercise is a proven way to reduce stress. A short aerobic workout three times per week may help fight fatigue and loss of energy.
Getting up from the desk during the day is a must when dealing with a stressful job. A ten-minute walk around the office building, a quiet moment in the car, or reading a chapter in a great book are all ways to get away from the stress and reset thought processes.
Almost all companies offer vacation time, and they do so for a reason. They know employees who take a few days or weeks off are happier and more productive. Yet, many individuals do not take their vacation time. When stress levels reach unhealthy places, it is time for a few days off.
When stress comes from conflict with a coworker or boss, individuals may put off dealing with the issue out of fear of consequences. However, not dealing with these types of conflicts almost always makes the stress worse in the long run. Speaking to a boss or supervisor in private about an issue is a great way to make feelings known and resolve conflict. Simply talking the issue out may alleviate some stress.
Time for a New Job
When a person is in the wrong job for them, dealing with stress in the above ways is often only a temporary solution. If the job is not a good fit, employees are always going to feel the stress of conflict or of not being able to perform to expectations. In these situations, short term solutions should be used while individuals seek employment that will make them happier.
This guest article was contributed by Jennifer Bell from Health Training Guide. Jennifer is a freelance writer and mother of 2 based in Los Angeles, CA.
Check out her site to learn more about registered nurse training and other exciting health careers.
This is a really great article, I think that the workplace is definitely a huge source of stress for a lot of people and it’s important that they realize that their jobs may be the cause. Is there anything you can recommend to someone who might be having these problems but is hesitant to leave their job?
The best thing to do is to talk to your employer. Let him/her know that the job you are doing is not suitable and that you are feeling anxious or stressed over it. Most employers will be very happy to try to sort another position or it may be the case that he needs to employ extra staff to cope with demand. Talking is the best way forward…
A very good point here: “When a person is in the wrong job for them, dealing with stress in the above ways is often only a temporary solution. If the job is not a good fit, employees are always going to feel the stress of conflict or of not being able to perform to expectations. In these situations, short term solutions should be used while individuals seek employment that will make them happier.” I totally agree with you. Stress with work equals low quality of works.
Sarah recently posted..gaggia espresso machines
Lots of employers are now aware that just sometimes it is better to help an employee to move on to other job or career where he or she will be happier and less stressed. It’s not a crime to be in this kind of position. In fact a good employer will understand the needs and give shining reference nevertheless and the next employer will understand too. Most people are more terrified about changing jobs, and become more stressed when it comes to the point of moving to a new job that is better suited for them and one which will ulimately be less stressful too.
This is such an important topic, thank you for sharing it – especially the part about how stress alone is not the only factor, but can lead to other factors like poor eating or alcohol abuse. A little stress is normal in any environment but it’s really crucial to determine how much is TOO much, before it’s too late.
Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the stress that causes you dire symptoms. I definitely put jaw tension, grinding teeth and feeling extremely tired at the top of the list.
Susan recently posted..Teeth Grinding While You Sleep
With stress a key factor and one I have seen little research on is the duration of the high level of stress you are put under. We have all been forced to work to tight deadlines, undertake difficult meetings or public speaking engagements or been asked to do something we were uncomfortable with.
Its part of the modern, joined up, network centric world we live in. However I like many others quite enjoy the sense of drive and energy such situations can give us. However I believe (based on my own experience) that continued day in day out high stress is what actually does the damage. Obviously quite different in terms of levels of real danger (but perceived danger can be harmful too) , but it is acknowledged and proven that combat soldiers start to suffer mentally and even veterans start to suffer more breakdowns only after extended tours – indeed the latest data based upon studies down on US GIs in Iraq points to this. Therefore I feel the study of the cumulative effects of work based stress on professionals should be undertaken and measured.
One of the signs for employers to watch out for is regular sickness. If the employee is not hapy in his or her job and becoming stressed because of it then sickness days will rise and it is a spiral of lose lose for both parties.
I can well imagine how stressful working in the forces is and especially with the extended periods of front the line. This is a very sad reality of war and why we should all be praying for and seeking global peace.