Stress Can Make Your Body Run Like A Broken Down Car

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If asked if your job is stressful, chances are you would answer with
an emphatic "Boy is it ever"!
Work is by far the leading source of stress in our lives. Nine out of
ten people say they experience high levels of stress several times a
week. And one out of four of us have high stress levels every day.
What you may not know is that your stress from work may, in fact, be
affecting your health. Stress affects the body in many different ways.
Some kinds of stress are beneficial. Others can cause serious health
problems.
Chronic stress weakens the body's physiological systems and leads to
innumerable health problems. In fact, WebMD estimates that 75% to 95%
of all doctor's visits are stress related.
Major stress related health problems include:
work stress, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
sleep problems, headaches, faster aging, strokes, depression, ulcers,
asthma, weaker immune system (reducing your natural ability to fight
off infection), loss of memory
Even more frightening is that job stress is at an all-time high and
continues to rise. For most people the number of hours worked has
increased. Where hours don't increase the number of responsibilities
increase and deadlines become more and more intense.
Job stress even invades our vacation time. According to Anderson
Consulting, 80% of people who took vacations in 2000 stayed in touch
with the office by taking their laptop or cell phone with them.
There are several indicators you can use to determine if you suffer
from chronic stress. Warning signs of chronic stress include
headaches, teeth-grinding, back pain (especially in the shoulders or
neck), anxiety, and insomnia. Even lots of day dreaming as escape from
your situation is a sign you need to begin to manage your stress.
If you suffer from chronic stress, there are a lot of things you can
do to reduce the stress. Some of the most effective stress management
techniques include relaxation exercises and meditation.
If you are at work and need to reduce stress, try deep (abdominal)
breathing while visualizing a peaceful scene or wonderful past memory
that brings a smile to your face.
Ultimately, virtually every job is stressful somewhat. But by
identifying and effectively managing your stress, you can reduce its
negative effects and enjoy a healthier life.
Why risk being taken by surprise with a health problem when the stress
begins to hit your body. Manage your stress today. The effects of your
efforts will increase over time. But you have to start immediately.