wellness
FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM AUGUST 15, 2019 • WELLNESS • THE QUEENS COURIER 29
Expert tips to reduce workplace stress for better health
Feeling stressed at work? If so, you’re
not alone. A recent Gallup Poll on stress,
worry and anger revealed that 55% of
Americans said they experienced stress “a
lot” during the day, up from 46% in 2006.
In the workplace, stress can aff ect your
attitude, relationships with colleagues and
work performance. Although a modest
amount of stress is normal, high levels of
stress can be dangerous to your health and
may contribute to serious health problems
such as high blood pressure, heart disease,
diabetes, anxiety and depression.
But there are ways to help manage stress.
Ann Marie O’Brien, R.N., national director
of health strategies, UnitedHealthcare,
shares the following tips that may reduce
your workplace stress and get you back
on a healthy track performing at your
usual best.
1) Talk to your boss. Consider having
an open discussion with your boss about
the stressors associated with your work
responsibilities. Ask if there is an opportunity
for additional skills training, or possibly
even restructure your job to make it
more manageable and better aligned with
your interests and skills. Also, check if
your company has an employee assistance
program (EAP), which may provide available
counseling and online resources.
2) Brush up on your time-management
skills. We’ve all had days when it seems
impossible to get everything done. In
some cases, poor time management is the
reason we feel this way, which then may
trigger stress. For your next work assignment,
talk with your supervisor before
getting started to plan realistic goals, priorities
and deadlines.
3) Take advantage of workplace well-being
programs. An increasing number of
employers are off ering well-being programs
through their health plan and are
making healthier food options available
in the workplace. Some employers
off er gym reimbursement programs such
as UnitedHealthcare’s Gym Check-In,
have onsite workout rooms, off er standup
desks, and encourage walking meetings
and well-being challenges like taking
the stairs. For your physical and mental
health, combine exercise with a well-balanced
diet, O’Brien said.
4) Grow your support network. If you
have a close colleague at work, talk with
that person and explain your work stressors
and brainstorm possible solutions. If
you don’t, then reach out to friends and
loved ones. It’s important that you don’t
isolate yourself aft er a stressful event.
5) Focus on yourself. If you’re feeling
stress, a simple treat such as going to a
movie, enjoying your favorite meal or just
getting away to take a brief walk can give
you time to unwind and recharge. If you
cannot get a handle on your stress, talk to
your doctor. She or he may recommend
a counselor who could help you fi nd
other ways to help reduce or manage the
unhealthy stress in your life.
Courtesy BPT
/WWW.QNS.COM
