How is Stress Affecting your body?
In 2015/16, stress accounted for 37% of all work related ill health and 45% of all working days lost due as shown by HSE. Simply defined, stress is the bodies’ way of responding to any kind of demand which switches us into ‘fight or flight’ mode. This state releases chemicals into your blood stream that causes the physical symptoms of stress. It is often confused as a feeling rather than a physical problem which is why such symptoms are regularly missed or, physical steps aren’t taken to reduce the risk.
The infographic below demonstrates how stress can affect your body.
Symptoms of stress can be frustrating and can lead to even higher levels of stress. Take a look at the steps you can take to reduce or minimise your stress levels:
- Meditate – the idea of this might be strange but spending a couple minutes of practice per day could make all the difference. Discover different techniques.
- Exercise – The act of exercising not only allows you to blow off some steam but it also produces endorphins, which is a chemical in the brain that acts as a natural painkiller. This also improves your ability to sleep and relax.
Connect with people – speak out to those around you whether that’s your manager, friend, family or colleague to voice how you feel and to find ways to reduce or remove the source of stress.
- Avoid unhealthy habits – smoking, drinking alcohol or consuming caffeine are substances that can make things worse for you. Try to avoid these as a stress reliever.
- Get a good night’s sleep – give your body the rest it needs and then tackle the source of your stress with a refreshed mind.
We’re Here to Help
Is stress becoming a significant issue in your workplace? At Sureteam we offer a variety of services that tackle occupational health. Our occupational health nurses are able to manage and undertake health surveillance from offices right through to construction sites.
We also offer a stress test survey which allows your employees to anonymously fill out a survey which lets you see what the main issues are, and then we can work with you to tackle them.
Give us a call on 01666 503686 to speak to one of our experts on how we can help you.
