Q: What are the signs of stress in the workplace?

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/default.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to the CDC</a>, some signs of stress in the workplace include: <ul role="presentation"> <li>Difficulty concentrating</li><li>Insomnia and other sleep issues</li><li>Upset stomach</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Short temper</li><li>Low morale</li><li>Job dissatisfaction</li> </ul> Research shows that workplace stress can lead to more serious issues such as musculoskeletal disorders, psychological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and impaired immune function.According to the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance via its website <a href="https://www.headsup.org.au/healthy-workplaces/workplace-stressors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heads Up</a>, workplace stress often occurs when there is a mismatch between job requirements and expectations when compared with an employee&#39;s capabilities as well as the support and resources available to them. Heads Up lists even more signs of workplace stress and divides them into two main categories: <ul role="presentation"> <li>Physical signs, such as chest pain, pounding heart, muscle tension, and change of appetite.</li><li>Non-Physical signs, such as negative thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and excessive worrying. </li> </ul>

Question 1

What are the signs of stress in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

According to the CDC, some signs of stress in the workplace include:

Difficulty concentrating
Insomnia and other sleep issues
Upset stomach
Headaches
Short temper
Low morale
Job dissatisfaction

Research shows that workplace stress can lead to more serious issues such as musculoskeletal disorders, psychological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and impaired immune function.

According to the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance via its website Heads Up, workplace stress often occurs when there is a mismatch between job requirements and expectations when compared with an employee's capabilities as well as the support and resources available to them.

Heads Up lists even more signs of workplace stress and divides them into two main categories:

Physical signs, such as chest pain, pounding heart, muscle tension, and change of appetite.
Non-Physical signs, such as negative thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and excessive worrying.

Question 2

What are 10 ways to cope with stress?

Accepted Answer

While each person may deal with stress in their own way, there are ten (10) common and effective ways to positively cope with stress, as recommended by MedlinePlus:

Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to release tension. Exercise also helps your brain release "happy chemicals" such as endorphins that trigger positive feelings.
Learn new relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.
Spend quality time with family and friends.
Get a good night's sleep, ideally between 7 and 9 hours nightly.
Learn healthy boundaries and practice saying no to things that you cannot do or do not want to do when possible.
Do something that makes you happy such as listening to music or reading a book.
Avoid stressful situations when possible.
Eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid foods with excess sugar.
Work on developing a more positive outlook on life. For example, by looking for solutions to problems instead of focusing on why they are happening.
Recognize and accept that there are some things that cannot be changed.

What are the signs of stress in the workplace?

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