About Stress
We all need some form of pressure in our lives; it increases energy levels, creativity and makes our work more satisfying. This is known as positive stress. If we do not have enough time to recover from the demands placed on us, the stress can build up to become negative stress, which can be inhibitory to ones health and well being. A healthy balance has to be made to cope with such pressures.
Facts
- Work is the 3rd most common cause of stress after bereavement and divorce.
- The average employee works seven hours a week for nothing.
- Britons work the longest hours in Europe.
- One-third of employees suffer sleepless nights due to stress.
- 55% of full-time employees say that work-related stress makes them bad-tempered at home.
Symptoms
Work-related stress can cause both physical and emotional health
problems. Below are some symptoms which may be experienced.
Physical Symptoms
- headaches
- muscular tension
- backache and/or neckache
- tiredness and sleep problems
- digestive problems
- a raised heart rate
- skin rashes
- sweating
- blurred vision
You may also be prone to psychological symptoms such as:
- irritability and mood swings
- disturbed eating patterns
- finding it hard to concentrate
- feeling less motivated
Massage therapy reduces stress because it improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.
Links
www.direct.gov.uk
www.bupa.co.uk
www.tuc.org.uk