O-Occupational stress

Occupational stress is a physical or psychological  disorder associated with an occupational environment  and manifested in  symptoms such as extreme anxiety,tension, cramps, headaches, depression, digestion problem, inability to perform tasks.  

A healthy job is likely to be one where the pressures on employees are appropriate in relation to their abilities and resources, to the amount of control they have over their work, and to the support they receive from people who matter to them. As health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity but a positive state of complete physical, mental and social well-being (WHO, 1986), a healthy working environment is one in which there is not only an absence of harmful conditions but an abundance of health-promoting ones.

 

Pressure at the workplace is unavoidable due to the demands of the contemporary work environment. Pressure perceived as acceptable by an individual, may even keep workers alert, motivated, able to work and learn, depending on the available resources and personal characteristics. However, when that pressure becomes excessive or otherwise unmanageable it leads to stress. Stress can damage an employees' health and the business performance. 

Work-related stress can be caused by poor work organisation (increased workload,hostile work environment, downsizing,overtime,shift work,  the way we design jobs and work systems, and the way we manage them), by poor work design (for example, lack of control over work processes), poor management, unsatisfactory working conditions, and lack of support from colleagues and supervisors.stressful type of work is that which values excessive demands and pressures that are not matched to workers’ knowledge and abilities, where there is little opportunity to exercise any choice or control, and where there is little support from others. 

The human body has a natural chemical response to a threat or demand, commonly known as the
“flight or fight” reaction, which includes the release of adrenalin. Once the threat or demand is over
the body can return to its natural state. A STRESSOR is an event or set of conditions that causes a
stress response. STRESS is the body’s physiological response to the stressor, and STRAIN is the
body’s longer-term reaction to chronic stress.
Occupational stress can affect your health when the stressors of the workplace exceed the
employee’s ability to have some control over their situation or to cope in other ways. For example:
⇒ Workers are overburdened with workloads that remain high regardless of their
efforts: the workload is the STRESSOR
⇒ Employees feel anxious and their heart rate speeds up because they can not control
their workloads: that is STRESS
⇒ Increased blood pressure, insomnia, or chronic headaches: that is STRAIN

Stress received

at work is one of the greatest killers in modern world-- The stress plays at your subconscious and conscious levels.. Leading to severe physical disabilities like -

1. Increased confusion and restlessness - leading to decreased confidence.
2. Increased appetite - weight gain leading to obesity.
3. Decreased sleep.
4. Muscle and joint pains - a combination of abnormal postures, sitting for long time, and stress.
5. Increased fear and sadness - leading to panic attacks and major depressive disorder.
6. Increased smoking and alcohol - leading to addictions and negative effects on body.
7. Decreased sexual performance. 

There are a variety of steps you can take to reduce both your overall stress levels and the stress you find on the job and in the workplace. 

• Taking responsibility for improving your physical and emotional well-being.
• Avoiding pitfalls by identifying knee jerk habits and negative attitudes that add to the stress you experience at work.
• Learning better communication skills to ease and improve your relationships with management and coworkers.

Others  include:Identify occupational stress triggers, tackle your stress triggers,sharpen time management skills, --set realistic goals, make a priority list, protect your time,keep perspectives-by getting others point of view,take a break,have an outlet, take care of self and seeking professional help if required.

Most people understand they are stressed but don't do anything to battle it... Suffering and dying silently.