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Self-care at work.

Understanding and effectively managing stress at work.

As most of us know, work can often be a source of stress. Whether you are nervous about a big presentation or your work load has recently increased, there are many sources of potential stressors that have an impact on our daily lives. Managing stress to improve overall wellness can help with productivity and performance in our careers, but also improve aspects of our personal lives.

Signs and symptoms of stress can vary person to person, but Help Guide describes common symptoms to include:

  • Feeling anxious or irritable
  • Low moral
  • Problems sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Muscle tension or headaches
  • Social withdrawal

Not sure where to start to manage your stress? The key is to understand where the stress is coming from. In our busy schedules, there are many different areas that can cause stress or put us on the path for stress. For example, having, or feelings of, a lack of control can cause us to feel off balance. An increase in responsibility can also cause us to feel overwhelmed, leading to stress filled days. Feeling uncertain or having lack of support can also put strain on our daily tasks. These sources of stress ultimately have an impact on our job satisfaction and performance.

Once we have recognized the signs and symptoms of stress, and have reflected on potential sources of stress, there are many actions that can be taken to mitigate these feelings. Although every person is different, and what works for one person might not work for another, here are some potential tips for managing stress at work:

  • Getting fresh air or going for a walk at lunch
  • Having clear requirements
  • Avoiding conflict
  • Strategies for managing workload
  • Taking time to recharge
  • Eating right and sleeping well
  • Remember to use your vacation days
  • Confide in a close friend or family member about what is on your mind
  • Make time for regular exercise
  • Get organized

Building in self-care activities doesn’t have to start and stop around our work days. Incorporating self-care activities into our days at work can help to reduce overall stress.

Another way to eliminate stress from work is to make sure your health needs are covered. Talk to your employer about setting up a Group Benefits Plan. Coverage can include health practitioners such as massage therapists and chiropractors, and can also provide coverage for vision, dental and prescription drugs. Visit our website today to learn more about how Blue Cross can help you take better care of yourself in 2020.