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Managing
Stress, Managing Wellness
2004: Volume
1,
Number 2
Christopher Breuleux, PhD, RMT
President, Medical Wellness
Association
Each of us reacts
differently to the stress in our lives. Stress
can work to your advantage. For example, at work
or home, when your
team or family works cooperatively and
competitively, the “let’s get it done” energy
encourages performance and can stimulate new
ideas. At other times, your stressors may build
up until you feel that circumstances are
spinning out of your control.
Chronic stress can raise blood sugar and blood
pressure and constrict major arteries. Because
unrelieved stress can threaten your health and
well-being, it’s important to become more
resilient (stress-hardy)
by adapting and responding to stress in more
favorable ways. Balancing daily hassles with
uplifts creates an optimal level of hardiness.
Strive to balance stress-provoking situations,
manage your reactions, and use effective coping
skills. Seek a positive stress balance for both
home and work
The following suggestions may help balance
stress:
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Identify
stress busters that work effectively for
you, such as taking off your shoes and
closing your eyes for a few moments, going
for a walk, getting a massage, or talking it
out with a friend.
-
Learn to
recognize when you’re getting close to your
breaking point. Don’t let stress turn into
distress.
-
Organize and
prioritize your work. Don’t try to be
perfect.
-
Use a stress
reduction strategy that you know works, such
as deep breathing or meditation, before you
begin to feel overwhelmed.
-
Share your
stressors with a confidante.
-
Recruit
someone you can call when times are tough.
-
Develop a
coworker support network.
-
Optimize your
health with good nutrition, exercise, and
rest.
-
Find some time
during the day to practice relaxation
techniques.
Manage stress
throughout the day at work and don’t let it
build up. You’ll be more caring and supportive
at home if you don’t carry the distractions of a
stressful workday home with you.
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