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The Stress-less Work Week
 Is stress a problem in the workplace? A 2007 report by the American Psychological Association indicates that it's something all of us face, and that things will only get worse. According to the study:
- 48 percent of Americans believe their stress has increased over the past five years.
- 75 percent cite money and work as leading causes of stress, up from 59 percent in 2006.
- 35 percent say that when work interferes with personal or family time, it's a significant source of stress.
Identify the sources
We all have stressful situations that we just can't avoid, so the answer is really learning how to cope with them better. Knowing what makes your blood pressure rise is the first step, and to figure this out, you can:
- Keep a journal of your daily interactions and how you respond emotionally.
- Make a list of activities, identifying the ones that cause the most anxiety.
- Look for the emotional and physical warning signs – sleeplessness, restlessness, anger, weight loss or gain, chronic fatigue, mood swings and migraines – to get to the root of what's causing excess tension.
Strong body, strong mind
Physical well-being ranks high on the list of steps to reduce – and prevent – stress. Taking these simple steps can make a big difference for anyone:
- Eat well-balanced meals, avoid junk food and limit how much alcohol you drink to boost the immune system.
- Exercise regularly to release endorphins and other natural mood-boosters.
- Get plenty of sleep to keep energy at peak levels.
But relax; adding these items to your "to-do" list will actually help you cope better. And the more you relax, the better life looks, even without rose-colored glasses. |
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