Stress is bad for your career and health

MANILA, Philippines - Stress at work can greatly affect your performance, your career, but most especially, your health. Premier health institution Makati Medical Center lists down the factors that may cause workplace stress and how to deal with such situations early on. 

“Stress brings about many health disorders,” begins Saturnino P. Javier, MD, a cardiologist at MakatiMed and president of the Philippine Heart Association. “It can worsen already existing illnesses such as asthma and diabetes, trigger headaches and gastrointestinal problems, can make you prone to depression and anxiety, and cause you to age faster than usual.”

“One of the most serious illnesses associated with stress concerns the heart,” he further warns. Stress may have a direct effect on the heart and blood vessels, and at the same time, it increases one’s likelihood of smoking or eating unhealthily — habits that may also increase heart risks. Sudden emotional stress can trigger serious cardiac problems, such as heart attacks.

“That’s why before heart problems even start, know what makes you stressed and how you can prevent it,” says Dr. Javier.  “The workplace is one of the most common places that put pressure on individuals, and being in the office during most days of the week, take time to assess and see if your work situation is causing you stress.”

“While stress is managed differently by different individuals, there are common situations at work that may cause it. Generally, an employee may feel stressed if he is under pressure from the demands of his job — be it the hours, the responsibilities, or the work load. If these are too much for him to take or greater than he can comfortably manage, it can pose risks to his health,” he says.

Tight deadlines, long hours, and heavy workload, changes within the organization or in the duties of the employee, job insecurity and few promotional opportunities, harassment and discrimination, and poor relationships with colleagues and bosses may be some of the causes of workplace stress. 

 â€œWhen your attitude towards your job and your behavior at work changes, you’re most likely stressed,” warns Dr. Javier. This could mean an increase in sick days, aggression, diminished creativity and initiative, mood swings, low tolerance of frustration and impatience, disinterest, and isolation.

Other common signs of stress are fatigue, muscle tension, sleeping difficulties such as insomnia, and dermatological disorders. Psychological symptoms include irritability, pessimism, feelings of discouragement and being overwhelmed, and cognitive difficulties such as the reduced ability to concentrate or make decisions. “Such signs tell you that your work is taking over your life and it’s about time you did something about it,” he says.

“Change your lifestyle — not only to battle stress, but also to aim to live healthier overall. Stop overeating, drinking, and smoking. While these seem to calm you and reduce stress, you’re only adding to it,” he says. “Stick to a good diet, exercise regularly, and spend time to relax both your mind and body so you can fight stress effectively.”

Non-competitive exercises, such as aerobics, have been shown to release endorphins, which are natural substances that help maintain a good disposition. “Of course, it helps a lot to set realistic goals for yourself, learn the art of saying no to tasks you know you can’t handle, and maintain a positive outlook in life,” Dr. Javier advises.