Stress Can Be Very Costly
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We've
known for decades that stress can lead to health problems but researchers
have linked it to financial problems. According to a labor report,
stress at work, such as greater job demands, not only affects employees'
health but also the company's health.
Each year the United States forks out more than $300 billion to
cover the health care costs brought on by stress in the workplace.
These costs include missed workdays and the rising costs of the
stress-reduction industry, which has become a much sought-after
outlet of relief for overstressed workers.
Occupational experts report that workers who admit they are stressed
cost companies an average of $600 more per person than other employees.
This is because they incur 46 percent higher health care costs.
This trend is not limited to the United States. In Japan, there
actually is a term for "death from overwork" -- karoshi.
Change is Not Always Good
Experts say changes produced by business trends like downsizing
and outsourcing may spur overall economic growth but they also seem
to increase:
- Heart attack risk for workers
- The number of sick days taken
- Hospitalization of employees
Bringing Home Stress From the Office
U.S. workers average more than 1,800 hours per year. That is:
- 350 hours more than Germans
- Slightly more than the Japanese
Technology has contributed another change -- the ability to work
during "nonwork" hours. Report authors point out that
issues at work often extend to workers' home lives, especially in
"white-collar" jobs when people take their work home with
them.
This blurry line between work and home, experts say, causes burn
out and sleepiness that can compromise health and safety on the
job.
New
York Times September 5, 2004
Dr. Mercola's Comment:
Nearly all of the patients I see have stress as a serious factor
in the cause of their illness. Stress plays a major role in the
immune system.
It can lead to negative impacts on:
Since you cannot eliminate stress, you can work to provide your
body with tools to compensate for the bioelectrical short-circuiting
that can cause serious disruption in many of your body's important
systems. The key is not the stress itself but your body'a ability
to tolerate the stress.
Meditation has been well documented as an effective strategy
to address stress. The only problem is that many people struggle
with doing it and may take many years to develop a proficiency in
which they are actually able to benefit from the technique.
Fortunately there is an inexpensive and simple way that help
one rapidly achieve the same benefits as meditation. It involves
brain wave synchornization technology were one passively listens
to a CD in a relaxed mode. There are a number of different companies
out there but I have found that the Insight
CD is one of the most cost effective solutions out there. I
have found it to be remarkably effective and efficient. Users have
said it helps them achieve inner peace, increase concentration levels,
energy and creativity. It is especially helpful for those who struggle
with insomnia.
Energy psychology tools are also very useful. I have compiled
a free manual to help you use
my program called EFT. EFT is a form of psychological acupressure,
based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture
to treat physical and emotional ailments for more than 5,000 years,
but without the invasiveness of needles.
I also recommend similar advice as the article:
Related Articles:
Stressed About Office
Work? Here’s How to Relax
How to Stay Healthy
While Working in an Office--Six Important Tips
Five Simple Strategies
to Reduce Stress and Eliminate Exhaustion
Stressful Work Tied to
Heart Disease Death Risk
US Workers Too Stressed
To Take Vacation
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