How to deal with stress at work

Windsorites have reported some level of stress at their workplaces.

Twenty seven per cent of Windsor-Essex residents between 20 and 64 years of age report they experience some levels of stress at work, according to Windsor Essex County Health Unit.

Mariel Munoz Tayraco, who is a registered dietitian at WECHU, said stress is simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium. A stressful event can trigger the “fight-or-flight” response, causing hormones  to surge through the body.

“A little bit of stress, known as acute stress, can be exciting as it keeps us active and alert. But long-term, or chronic stress, can have detrimental effects on health,” said Tayraco. “You may not be able to control the stressors in your world, but you can alter your reaction to them,” she said.

Andrew Harrison, Windsor Psychologist, said workplace stress is normal but when work stress becomes chronic it can be overwhelming and harmful to both physical and emotional health.

“You cannot control everything in your work environment, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless,” said Harrison. “Try to find ways to manage and control workplace stress and focus on one thing that’s always within your control and that is YOU.”

Fear of being laid off, more overtime due to staff cutbacks, pressure to perform to meet rising expectations with no increase in job satisfaction are problematic. “Layoffs and budget cuts are common in workplaces, which result in increased fear, uncertainty and higher levels of stress,” said Harrison.

Pressure to work at optimum levels—all the time are some of the common causes of excessive workplace stress.
According to Harrison, people should identify stress triggers and learn to tackle them.By taking these  steps one can reduce both overall stress levels and the stress on the job and in the workplace.

“The better you are at managing your stress, the more positively you will affect those around you and the less other people’s stress will negatively affect you,” he said.

According to Tayraco, food cannot stop stress, but eating a healthy and balanced diet can help our bodies get the energy and nutrients we need to deal with stressful situations.

“A healthy diet can help counter the impact of stress by shoring up the immune system and lowering blood pressure,” she said. “It’s best to eat complex carbs which take longer to digest.”

Healthy food choices include whole-grain breads, pastas, and breakfast cereals, including old-fashioned oatmeal. Complex carbs can also help people  feel balanced by stabilizing blood sugar levels, she said.

EatRight Ontario suggests people should eat in order to keep stress in check. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon and tuna can prevent surges in stress hormones and may help protect against heart disease and depression.

Drinking black tea may also help people recover from stressful events more quickly. Carbs at bedtime can speed the release of the brain chemical serotonin and help people sleep better. Since heavy meals before bed can trigger heartburn, stick to something light.
Harrison said that by employing some of these strategies individuals can not only reduce the stress in their lives, but can also turn once-frightening events into positive endings. Even general physicians can also help by analyzing the situation and referring patients to more specialized help if necessary.