Job Stress on the Rise Amid Economic Concerns

If you're dealing with job stress on a daily basis, beware of physical ailments that can crop up as a result. Complaints related to workplace stress range from minor aches and pains to full-blown diseases. They affect office workers, executives and blue collar workers alike. It seems that no one is exempt from job-related stress factors.

Physical problems that may arise when dealing with job stress are:

Stiff neck pain and headaches
Fatigue
Wrist and hand cramps (often leading to carpal tunnel syndrome)
Stomach aches
Vision problems
Heart problems

Most job stress can be lessened or completely exterminated by physical exercise, but sometimes there's a workplace situation that has the effect of water torture. For example, when office workers were asked what caused them the most job stress, they cited dealing with office politics, clients, co-workers or a difficult supervisor.

Today, job stress is exacerbated by fear. Fear of losing a job may keep many workers from speaking up about workplace stress, so we don't speak up about unfavorable job conditions for fear we'll make waves.

Companies are downsizing, and the workers left behind must put in an exorbitant amount of overtime hours, causing fatigue and other difficulties. When employers demand super-human efforts from their employees there's usually a backlash of absenteeism, indifference, lack of motivation and sometimes a death that can be directly linked to dealing with job stress.

Assess your own physical condition and then decide if seeking a different, low stress job is the only answer to maintaining your physical health.

There's always some type of job stress - even if you're working for yourself. There may be deadlines for projects, hostile clients to deal with, computer problems and time management issues that can drive you crazy. But working for yourself can provide certain energy, positive attitude and motivation that will get you through just about any stressful situation without experiencing the same kinds of job stress that working for someone else can.

Working for yourself may seem like the perfect low stress job, but it may also replace some stresses with others. If you're always worried about making ends meet because you're no longer receiving a regular paycheck, maybe working for yourself isn't the low stress job for you. On the other hand, if operating your own business makes you feel exuberant, energetic and delightfully creative - give up the job that's causing workplace stress ailments and work for yourself.

Ask yourself what it is that you enjoy doing - something that makes you feel happy and content. Maybe cleaning house and enjoying the aftermath of a home that's dust-free and everything is in its place is what makes you happy. If so, think about starting a cleaning business. If you love animals, there are many jobs from which you can choose - groomer, dog walker, house sitter, veterinarian's assistant. You may need to go back to school or attend seminars to learn how to begin and operate your business, but if it relieves you of dealing with job stress that's making you ill, it's worth a shot.

When it comes to workplace stress, all of us can use some help once in awhile. Even stay-at-home moms experience stress and sometimes need relief from the kids, house, carpooling and cooking. A long, hot bubble bath may help - or treating herself to a manicure, pedicure or a simple walk around the block could relieve much of mom-related job stress.

Workplace stress can occur if you're a truck driver, office worker, gardener or run your own business from home.

Five sure-fire ways to prevent or lessen the effects of workplace stress are:

1. Rid yourself of harmful coping habits. - Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, taking your anger out on your family and friends and overeating can all be related to job stress.

2. Concentrate on a plan for the future that's focused on what you really want to do.

3. Exercise! - It's a fact that physical exercise releases endorphins that help you cope with workplace stress.

4. Enjoy the sunlight. - The reason why so many of us have what's known as "the winter-doldrums" is because of the absence of light in our lives. Take a walk at lunch or plan some outdoor time during the weekend.

5. Laugh! -- It's a scientific fact that laughing helps to relieve stress. Find laughter in your life with family, friends or playing Frisbee with the dog.

Taking the necessary steps to improve yourself can help you achieve your optimal performance at work and relieve the job stress that keeps you from success.