Consequences of stress

• Diseases - stress has been the consequence for 50-80% of diseases.
• Insomnia - the inability to fall asleep.
• Hypertension - high blood pressure, which would lead to lethal complications.
• Aging - people age faster when they experience more stress.

Known stress relievers

• Balanced life: Job stress builds when our minds are constantly focused on work. Strive for balance in your life. Make time for family, friends, hobbies and, most importantly, fun.
• Luxuriate!: Run a bubble bath and relax to some soft music.
• Nature: Commune with nature by tending to a garden or walking on the beach. The cycle of life is a nice reminder that stress, too, will pass.
• Regular stretching: Muscle tightening accelerates when we are stressed. Stretching loosens muscles and encourages deep breathing.
• Use a mantra: This is a short, clear, positive statement that focuses on your coping abilities. For example, if you need to cope, repeat 10 times, "I feel calm. I can handle this."
• Throw OUT!: Is too much stuff and useless clutter getting in the way of the things you really need? Then lose it! Every day, find one thing you don't need and toss it. Or give it away.
• Reposition: Save time and prevent frustration by moving items within reach such as the telephone, stationery, filing trays, desk toys etc. An L-shaped desk offers more space to put items within reach.
• Exercise: Create an exercise schedule and stick to it. Exercise helps release endorphins, which relieves stress.
• Posture: Straightening your spine promotes circulation, increases oxygen levels in your blood and helps lessen muscle tension, all of which promote relaxation.
• Breathe: Take frequent short breaks to breathe deeply and relax your mind.
• Warm up: Rub your hands together vigorously until they feel warm. Then cup them over your closed eyes for five seconds while you breathe deeply. The warmth and darkness are comforting.
• Find the cause: To resolve your stress, you have to know what is stressing you out. Seek professional help if you can't find out what it is.
• Set Goals: Set short-term goals and allow yourself to take satisfaction in achieving them.
• Make plans: When you look forward to something, it provides a calming perspective. Make an appointment for a massage, buy those concert tickets or schedule a weekend away.
• One at a time: Enjoy the experience while doing one thing mindfully, well and with undivided attention. Take the time to get it right and then go on to the next thing.
• Doing less: Is your life too crammed to enjoy it to the fullest. Begin by giving enouph time to lend your complete, mindful and unhurried attention to each experience. It's absolutely attainable.
• Delegate: Delegate or share work whenever possible. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you are the only person who can do the job right. Your coworkers and boss might start to buy into that concept as well.
• Take breaks: If you only have an hour, try heading to the local coffee shop with a book you're dying to read.
• Take credit: Take note of all the good work you do and give yourself credit for it.
• Goof off: Do something that temporarily removes you from a stressful situation.
• Let go: Some things you you can control and some things you cannot.Starting today, stop stressing about the things in your job you have no control over.
• Criticizm: Don't take criticism you receive personally, but see it always as 'constructive criticism' that allows you to improve your work.
• Verbal abuse: If criticism is verbally abusive, e.g., your boss yells at you or uses vulgar language, discuss this problem with your manager or human resources department.
• Quit your job when:
  • You've tried all the appropriate channels and methods for resolving your situation, to no avail (or the appropriate channels are not made available).
  • Your boss is intimidating, disrespectful or demeaning to you.
  • You are so bored on the job that you are exhausted by the end of the day. If you don't have an upwardly mobile career path that challenges you to grow professionally, it's time to look for a more interesting position