ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
17.05.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Beating Depression. Is Work Stress Getting You Down?

Author: Graeme Lanham | Posted: 08-12-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 175 | Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

John was a hard working and caring teacher. He loved his job, despite increased workload pressures and the demands of extra curriculum activities. He regularly took work home and his wife often complained that he was "married to his job".
Of concern to her was his occasional bouts of work related stress and depression.

Just over 12 months ago, he arrived at work early to prepare for a pre school interview with "a particularly difficult parent." At morning tea he suddenly lost consciousness and slumped forward over the staffroom table. Frantic attempts to resuscitate him failed. His heart attack at the age of 53 came without warning. He was in generally good health. According to colleagues he took his job seriously and seemed depressed and anxious in the weeks prior to his death.

Teachers, nurses, doctors and police are in particularly stressful occupations. They are constantly dealing with members of the public and research studies show that members of these professions have high rates of stress, depression and anxiety. Doctors also have high rates of suicide.

Yet all occupations these days can be stressful. Increased work pressures due to staff reductions and "downsizing" as well as tough deadlines to be met and demanding sales quotas, can lead to health problems including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and cancer. The current escalation of fuel prices has placed particular stress on those involved in the transport industry.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE YOUR WORK STRESS?

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS:

SEEK COUNSELLING.

Almost all businesses have professional counseling services to help employees who may be experiencing health problems due to stress and depression. In most cases the service is free. Don't feel as if you are being weak. Your future health is at stake here. Use it.

TAKE LEAVE.

You are entitled to this as part of your sick leave. Remember you are not indispensable. Your job will survive without you! You will be amazed at how much better you will feel when you take a break. Your body will thank you and so will your family. They could have you for a lot longer! Your counselor may recommend a period of stress leave and a doctor's certificate may be necessary.

TAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS.

According to Professor Ron Penny, medical director of Good Health Solutions, "Studies have proven people are much better emotionally and physically after taking a holiday. For starters, the heart attack risk drops in males when they take annual leave at regular intervals".

Importantly for employers, healthy well rested people are more productive, they take fewer sick days and the strange phenomenon of "presenteeism" { in which an employee stays too long} or classic Mondayitis, becomes less prevalent.

TAKE TIME OUT.

At lunchtime, leave your work premises and go for a walk on your own, preferably in a park or even along the beach. The fresh air and solitude will do wonders for your spirits, giving you time to reflect and rejuvenate. Similarly on the way home from work, stop of at a park and either go for a walk or just sit in your car listening to relaxing music.

EXERCISE.

Of all the stress reduction activities, this is possibly the most important. Research studies indicate that exercise is one of the best for your health. Brisk walking and tennis are two of my favourites. Gardening, taking your dog for a walk or simply throwing a Frisbee are great stress reduction activities. Simply being out in the fresh air is an added bonus.

NURTURE A PET.

Did you know that your dog can be a great stress reducer? The simple act of stroking or playing with your pet releases "feel good" hormones, including serotonin, that are beneficial for your health.

Never start a new treatment before consulting your doctor, especially if you are currently taking medication. The information published in this article is not intended as a substitute for personal medical advice from your physician or other qualified health-care practitioner. It is for information purposes only.

Rate this Article:

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/beating-depression-is-work-stress-getting-you-down-80248.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:
Is freedom from stress and depression important to you? In his groundbreaking new book "Your Life Fitness," retired school principal,author and fitness/health researcher Graeme Lanham, outlines in easy to read style all you need to know about the latest advances in health, fitness and antiageing. Visit http://www.yourlifefitness.com and receive 2 special FREE bonuses.
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

Beating Depression. The Power of Pets
By: Graeme Lanham | 04/11/2006 | Non-Fiction
Did you know that if you suffer from bouts of stress, depression and anxiety, your pet could be one of your best "cures"? Having a cat or dog as a pet can protect you from numerous health problems including heart disease, cancer and depression. Surprised? Read on.

Beat Depression and Stress with Exercise
By: Graeme Lanham | 30/01/2007 | Non-Fiction
John Howard, the Prime Minister of Australia, would have arguably one of the most stressful and demanding jobs in the country. Yet he still finds time for his daily fitness walk. This message from the top highlights the critical importance of exercise in combating stress, anxiety and depression.

3 Crucial First Steps To Beating Stress
By: Christopher Green | 06/09/2006 |
If you're enduring a harrowing episode of stress, depression or anxiety, then seeing light at the end of the tunnel can be difficult. You just want the torment to stop. Here are three steps you can take to start walking towards the light today: 1.

How Do Feelings Affect Your Physical Fitness?
By: Minh Nguyen, D.d.s. | 18/10/2006 | Non-Fiction
Blue moods are not only uncomfortable, they can affect your health.


By: | 31/12/1969 |

Dogs and Cats – Should You Mix the Two Together?
By: Alisa M. Chagnon | 10/03/2008 | Pets
You do not need to choose between being a dog lover and a cat lover! Many people have both of these animals in their homes and everyone is a member of one happy family. However, before you rush out to bring a dog into a cat home or a cat into a dog home, think about some important elements first.

How to Make Exercise Fun
By: Tony Dunne | 17/09/2006 | Health
How to take the pain and drudgery out of exercise.

Top 7 Tips to Prevent Heart Attack
By: Raymond Lee | 22/10/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
Quite frankly, a heart attack is scary, and no one is eager to deal with its implications. However, by taking measures to decrease the risk of heart attack, you can prevent it from occurring.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Has anyone survived 5 years + having small cell ...
By: suzannel | 11-05-2008
has anyone survived 5 years + having small cell lung cancer ?If so, what did you do?Thanks Suzanne

Slavia
By: roxy | 11-05-2008
Hi has anyone tried the herb slavia?If so what reactions did u have?Are there any side effcts? Thanks

Chihuahua Monster
By: Chihuahua Person | 11-05-2008
Adopted a 5 year old female Chihuaha last fall.  No idea as to her background.  She is a sweet little thing in the morning--all hugs and kisses and licks, wanting all of my attention.  By night, she becomes a little monster--will growl and snap at the blink of an eye at me.  Come morning, she is the sweet little angel again.  What could be her problem??!!

Whose lifestyle would you say is the most worry ...
By: drabsv | 11-05-2008
Whose lifestyle would you say is the most worry-free (distress-free) nowadays?

How do you make a chil's stroller into a dog's ...
By: terry8494 | 10-05-2008
how do you make a chil's stroller into a dog's stroller ??/

Stomach fat
By: kingsford123 | 10-05-2008
I have abs but I'm not quite sure how to get rid of that pouch at the bottom of my stomach. So, how do you get rid of that layer of fat?

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Non-Fiction Articles

I Hate the Color Orange
By: John A. Lewis, Jr. | 13/05/2008
This is a short autobiographical story about sexual abuse and its effects on an adult. The story is harrowing, but true. It would make an excellent editorial for magazines/books dealing with the trauma of childhood abuse and the long healing process.

Get a Cast of Characters to Help You Write A Book
By: Joan Clout-Kruse | 12/05/2008
You can get help with your writing just ask around! Here are some resources for helping you get your book on the way: writing buddies, book and publishing coaches, cheerleaders, interviewers, researchers, bookstores, reviewers, experts, authors, speakers, testimonials and bloggers, just to name a few. Just imagine you could have all these people rooting for your success!

Teena
By: SreeLakshmy | 11/05/2008
Teena had a bad life from her birth. none cared her. everybody ran behind money, even her parents. when her husband died, she decided to live a life like her wish.

How to Stay Motivated While Writing Your Great Book
By: Joan Clout-Kruse | 09/05/2008
Get acquainted with some important elements that can help you keep motivated to write. These elements include, but are not limited to: being in a positive environment, listening to music, writing in a clean work area, having a plan, limit distractions, and attending a writer's retreat. With this in mind, and writing about what you love, you will be sure to stay motivated to finish your book.

Scribbles and Margins
By: Elea Almazora | 09/05/2008
Even though it may not seem like it, the times wherein I have the opportunity to write – simply write! – for my own pleasure, for the sheer love of it, have been getting fewer and fewer as the days go by. It used to be that I had the time and the energy skip over to the nearest coffee shop (Starbucks is a preference, of course) with a pretty hard bound brown paper journal and my trusty fountain pen with brown ink.

The Camping Trip
By: Tahtimbo | 24/04/2008
This is a true story of what occured on a camping trip.

How to Write a Best Seller
By: Joan Clout-Kruse | 18/04/2008
Learn the formula for a best seller. Some of the tips are: Have an attention-getting title, attractive book cover design, sales information on back cover, testimonials, terrific titles for your Table of Contents, and of course good content. You'll see that you too can write a best seller by simply following a few key writing tips.

Write an eBook - Make Money
By: Joan Clout-Kruse | 18/04/2008
There are thousands of articles on the Internet that show you how to write an eBook, but very few that tell you what you need to do to market and sell your eBook online. Some marketing tips include: Doing research, building a website, building a list, writing a sales page, having a Paypal account, promoting online, writing articles, and joining joint ventures.

More from Graeme Lanham

Discover Outback Australia on "The Indian Pacific" Train
By: Graeme Lanham | 24/03/2008 | Travel
Imagine sipping a red, enjoying a sumptious meal and the company of fellow travelers from all over the world, as the spectacular Australian outback glides past. This is the unique Indian Pacific experience.

Discover Exotic Singapore. Gateway to Australia
By: Graeme Lanham | 07/03/2008 | Destinations
Are you traveling to Australia, New Zealand or South East Asia? Many travelers from Europe, North America and other parts of Asia now enjoy a few days' stopover in Singapore. It's exotic, unique and clean and you'll love it! Here are some suggestions to help you with your exploration of The Lion City.

Experience the Magic of Singapore
By: Graeme Lanham | 07/03/2008 | Destinations
Singapore is a great place to visit, either as a destination or as a stopover on your journey to Australia. Many Australians stop in Singapore on their way to Europe and an increasing number of travelers from America and Europe take a break in this exotic city, before continuing on to Australia.

Is Chocolate Good For Your Heart?
By: Graeme Lanham | 06/03/2008 | Nutrition
Most of us love chocolate but did you know that chocolate is actually good for you? New evidence suggests that eating a little chocolate might help ward off artery-blocking, heart attack provoking blood clots. Truth is, there are healthy and unhealthy chocolates and it is important to select those that are heart healthy.

Beating Heart Disease. Are All Fish Oils the Same?
By: Graeme Lanham | 06/03/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Your heart and brain depend on Omega 3 fatty acids to function effectively and the 2 important fatty acids, DHA and EPA, come from fish, particularly salmon. But not all salmon have sufficient quantities of these important nutrients. Why is this so?

Discover South East Australia on "The Overland" Train
By: Graeme Lanham | 03/03/2008 | Destinations
To discover the real essence of Australia, train travel is the way to go. There's no more relaxing or scenic way to enjoy the trip between Adelaide and Melbourne, Australia's southern capitals, than on "The Overland".

Low Flying From Paris to London
By: Graeme Lanham | 06/03/2007 | Destinations
The Eurostar train is a travel experience. It whisks you in supreme comfort and near silence from the heart of Paris to the heart of London in a shade over two and a half hours. In November 2007, it will be even faster. Read on to discover the pleasures of 21st century European rail travel.

Your Travel Health. Nutrition for Fitness and Energy
By: Graeme Lanham | 30/01/2007 | Nutrition
When I visit large cities, I like to do a lot of walking. To explore and visit little back streets off the tourist tracks, inaccessible to tourist buses. You can stop, take photos and enjoy the discoveries that only walking can provide. To fully enjoy these walks, you need a reasonable level of fitness and health. Here are some suggestions to boost your immune system and energy.

Article Categories



Creative Commons License




Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below