We all experience workplace stress at times…
Some people say they thrive on stress and some say it can be helpful to push us to complete work or finish tasks. Stress can be detrimental though and if we become too stressed it can interfere with our ability to function.
What is Stress?
Stress is our body’s reaction to situations that we feel or fear are harmful, be that threat real or perceived. When we feel stressed our body responds by activating the nervous system and releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, this is sometimes referred to as the ‘fight or flight’ response.
As these hormones surge through the body they generate a speeding heartbeat and the circulation of blood, mobilising fat and sugar for fast energy, focusing attention, preparing muscles for action, and more. It generally takes some time for the body to calm down after the stress response has been triggered.
Prolonged or repeated arousal of the stress response can have harmful physical and psychological effects, including heart disease and depression.
Signs of Stress
Stress can affect all aspects of your life, including your emotions, behaviours, thinking ability, and physical health. No part of the body is immune. But, because people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can vary. Symptoms can be vague and may be the same as those caused by medical conditions, so it is important to discuss them with your doctor. You may experience any of the following symptoms of stress.
Emotional:
- Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
- Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
- Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
- Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
Physical:
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Upset stomach, including diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea
- Aches, pains, and tense muscles
- Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Frequent colds and infections
- Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
- Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
Cognitive:
- Constant worrying
- Racing thoughts
- Forgetfulness and disorganisation
- Inability to focus
- Poor judgment
- Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
Causes of Stress in the Workplace
We are all unique, a stressful trigger or set of circumstances for one person may be a breeze for another. Some common cause of stress in the workplace may include; unrealistic workloads, fear of losing your job, long work hours, feel overwhelmed, fear of failure, lack of management support, unsocial hours, and dealing with difficult clients or customers.
At the Career Development Centre trained professional Counsellors, Psychologists and Career Development Practitioners are available to support you to manage your stress levels in workplace, build resilience and make informed decisions regarding your career.
For an appointment call (07) 33 55 66 88 or visit www.careerdevelopmentcentre.com.au for more information.
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