Last week we ran a story on how job losses can cause some pretty serious stress. And while those who stay on say they suffer some level of survivor's guilt, they are also facing another layer of stress in these tough economic times.
Apparently, workers are being asked to do more to compensate for a reduced staff. And additional work and work stress can contribute to a person's bad health just as much as a sedentary lifestyle and even smoking. According to an issue of the British Medical Journal, lack of on-the-job autonomy can double a person's risk for heart disease.
In addition, studies done by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health say on-the-job stress can also lead to depression and musculoskeletal disorders.
One of the key recommendations when it comes to dealing with stress is strengthening your relationships which women are wonderful at doing. As much as you feel obligated to tend to your workload, it's OK to take a break during your work day to grab coffee or lunch with a friend or to volunteer. It's also very healthy.
Other ideas include honing organization skills, becoming more aggressive in terms of relating your wants or ideas or learning and practicing relaxation techniques.
Has a job or position ever made you physically ill? If so, how did you handle it?