Stress at Work Could Be Killing You

Stress management tips for the workplace.

More on:

• Stress Relief
• Happiness
• Mind & Body
• Stress

The postholiday workload is grueling, but take time to de-stress: Your heart depends on it.

People who've suffered a heart attack and return to super-stressful jobs are at serious risk for a second one. Canadian researchers tracked 972 people for six years after their first attack. When workers returned to a high-stress job, their risk of having another attack doubled after two years compared with less-stressed workers.

Having a plan in place to deal with tension is important for all of us, says Randal Thomas, MD, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic: "Exercise is the greatest stress reducer we have." It's also the best way to prevent stress in the first place. Do jumping jacks, take a walk or try an under-the-desk pedal exerciser. If you've had an attack, think seriously about entering a cardiac rehab program, says Dr. Thomas. It can help you learn to cope and cut your risk of dying from a repeat attack by up to 30 percent.

From Reader's Digest - January 2008

 

• De-Stress Your Commute
• 21 tips for a happier journey.
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• Launch a Calmer, More Productive Workday
• How you start your day makes all the difference.
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• Why Is Work So Stressful?
• Identify the sources of workplace madness.
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• Shedding the Afternoon Office Rut
• 22 ideas to lift your post-lunch spirits and energy in the workplace
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• Scour Your Arteries With Meditation
• Enter the right state of mind and reduce plaque levels!
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• Stress: A Heart Disease Risk Factor on a Par With Smoking and Obesity
• An underlying problem that can have severe physical consequences.
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• Stress: America's #1 Health Problem
• How different types of stress can affect your well-being.
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• Defuse Stress for a More Enjoyable Day
• 37 ways to calm down fast.
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• How Stressful Is Your Job?
• Take these factors into consideration when evaluating your work.
• 

I was working at the base exchange one busy day when the line grew quite long. There was much grumbling among those waiting, but one man made light of the situation. He approached a woman who was obviously very pregnant and tapped her on the shoulder. "Would you mind my asking a personal question?" he said. "Were you pregnant when you got in this line?"

-- Jan Boileau

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