A daily schedule to save you from stress

By Our Special Correspondent

New projects, heavy schedules and tighter deadlines are telling on the health of the workforce across the country and the globe. People are becoming prone to several diseases and are succumbing to physical difficulties between the ages of 40-50 years.

Hyper tension, anxiety and depression cases are being reported in high numbers.

One major cause of these health related problems is stress. And in the Indian contest, healthcare pundits say that the workforce here does not pay attention to techniques to avoid stress. Consequently they fall prey to the problems associated with it. And again though they suffer from stress they reluctantly seek medical help.

Research has shown that the present day stressors for employees are – Having to work longer hours, having constant appraisals, reviews and more sedentary jobs. Urban living style though on the face of it does not seem to cause stress, eventually brings it in.

One social scientist says, “Work related stress is causing unforeseen consequences such as infertility among young urban lifestyles are causing people to exhaust themselves of all energy. The commute, the driving in traffic and spending time on extended day activities such as shopping and hours at malls or multiplexes, week after week causes stress.”

These activities in fact demand more of mental and physical energy. The young employees in their early career days deem these activities to be stress relievers. But soon these very activities become cause of stress. This results in not being able to stand up to the daily tough routine at the office. Stress slowly impacts the working of the person and this leads to several health problems.

Doctors advise that a simple routine should be followed from early career days to avoid problems as one moves ahead in life.

Stress levels can be controlled by relaxation techniques that bring out the body’s relaxation response. Practicing these techniques will build physical and emotional resilience. Stress calls for taking charge – taking charge of one’s thoughts, emotions and time.

Here are some techniques the doctors say will help:

Relaxation time: Have a set time for rest and relaxation in your time and let not anyone steal it from you. Never plan other activities during this period. Do what gives you a sense of joy and happiness. Indulge in it. This will recharge your spirits. You will become a well-oiled engine each day to meet the rough road ahead.

Let go: Do not treat all problems like earthquake. Give little attention to small problems. Do not magnify issues and spend time in pondering over them continuously. See if you can put them off for later. Try to get advice, ask people what they would do in your situation.

Nice company: Spend time with people who are jovial and have positive and problem solving attitude, rather than people who are always carrying problems on their shoulders. Give time for family get together and outing on a regular basis.

In a recent survey people felt that the best stress buster was listening to music, second came regular exercise and the third was reading. Choose what is best for you and use it to help ease stress.

Humor is a great stress reliever, especially when one is experiencing emotional stress. Read jokes or pick up a funny storybook. One executive says reading comics and watching cartoon channels is his favorite to recharge himself.

Use any of these techniques and ways suggested to keep yourself stress free. People respond to life situations in a better manner and perform better at work even under pressure when they know that they can fight out their stress levels.