How workers can cope with stress

Reports later said their employers ignored advice from doctors about  the impact of restructuring policies on employees’ mental health.It reflects how stress can push down productivity and morale-a factor in up to 60% of all lost working days-and a huge cost in terms of distress and impaired economic performanceIn most countries, the overall cost of […]

Reports later said their employers ignored advice from doctors about  the impact of restructuring policies on employees’ mental health.
It reflects how stress can push down productivity and morale-a factor in up to 60% of all lost working days-and a huge cost in terms of distress and impaired economic performance
In most countries, the overall cost of work-related accidents and diseases, including stress-related ones is still high and disturbing. For instance, in the European Union it is estimated between 2.6% and 3.8% of gross domestic product.
Nigeria is not left out of the countries left of stress-prone zone. It is said that 90% of hospital visits in the country is stress related. And with serious economic regression, unemployment and social upheavals, stress in Nigeria is peaking.
A recently released report revealed more than 64million Nigerians are suffering from mental illness.
And Seiji Machida, Director, International Labour Organisation (ILO) warned of a general rise in mental health problems due to stress at the workplace in Europe and elsewhere.
He attributed the reasons to information overload, intensification of work and time pressure, high demands on mobility, being constantly on call due to mobile phone technology and worry over job loss.
Stress is not limited to work places but includes marriage, social life and daily interaction.
The ILO’s director said the best way to nip stress in the bud is through strategies adapted to the specific conditions of the workplace in question
“Close collaboration between management and workers is important in finding solutions for workplace safety and health problems. The participation and involvement of workers, their representatives and trade unions is also essential in prevention of stress at work,” he said.
The American Heart Association recommends talk with family and friends as one of the antidotes to stress by relieving mental and physical tension.
“Accept the things you cannot change. Don’t say, ‘I’m too old’ and remember to laugh,” it warns.
Giving up the bad habits such as smoking, is another pathway suggested by the association to deal with stress among workers, noting  too much alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine can increase stress.   
The association also advises workers to slow down and plan ahead and allow enough time to get the most important things done.
“Try to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. If you can’t sleep, take steps to help reduce stress and depression. Physical activity also may improve the quality of sleep’’.
It further suggested that workers should get organised and inculcate the act of giving back to family, friends and society, saying such attitude helps a lot in dealing with stress
At a recent awareness campaign in Lagos organised by Mega Life Sciences Nigeria Limited, its Managing Director, Mr  Maneesh Mehra, emphasised the need for company executives to delegate duty, saying the development will save time, and avoid stress.
He said aerobic exercises are effective for controlling stress, observed to prolong the life span and increase endurance for work.
According to him, the executive must eat more of fibre to increase intestinal motility as well as avoid fatty food, cut down on meat, eat more of fresh fish and seafood, cut down on sugary substances, and eat less salt
In addition to reducing frustrations, alcohol consumption and worry syndrome, he said, executives must sleep at least 6 hours and engage in mild physical workout before and after work.
He said mild physical exercises in the mornings increases the heart rate, and helps the brain to release certain relaxing hormones. Mild workout or sports after work for a period of 30 minutes helps the executive to distract his mind from the stress he encountered at work.
Light breakfast helps the executive prevent fatigue and stress before lunch.
He suggested that the company’s executive must create a to-do list for the next day, saying when he does that, it shows a sense of time management and also provides direction for the following day.
He recommended that the executive should break the habit of taking his work to his home. Unless the executive needs to meet a deadline he should avoid working at home or at weekends.
He also suggested the use of supplements to reduce stress, like ginseng supplements which contain antioxidants that mop up free radicals, helping the body to cope with the effects of stress, preventing cell damage and slowing down premature aging process.