Chronic work stress can lead to health problems, both physical and mental. It is also a risk factor for heart disease. As there is no avoiding stress, the next best thing to do is to manage it. ANYA TAN looks at some ways to manage work stress.

Although a little bit of stress at work is good to help one keep up with the challenges, unresolved long-term work stress can be detrimental to health. Many studies suggest that long-term work stress increases the risk of chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and mental health problems. It also increases one’s risk of injuries at work.

One way to tell if work stress is affecting your health is that the challenges you face at work no longer motivates you to learn new skills. Meeting these challenges do not give you any satisfaction, instead the work demands make you feel exhausted, tensed and unhappy.

Stress can manifest itself in many other symptoms. Here’s a quick check to find out if your work is stressing you out.

If you are experiencing any of these stress signals, it is important to take steps to reduce the stress. Do not ignore the signs.

Addressing the root cause of stress at work and practising stress management is a good approach to reduce stress at work.

Find out the cause of your stress, and you’ll have a better chance of fixing the problem.

• Is the excessive workload too much to cope?
• Are you taking on too much responsibilities?
• Are you worried about lack of opportunity for advancement in the company?
• Are you having a conflict with your boss or colleagues?

Here are some tips to help you manage your time wisely and to get back on track with your tasks.

• Delegate tasks and learn to accept help from others.
• Focus on completing one task at a time. If the task is too big, break it down to smaller tasks.
• Plan your day and prioritise your tasks to avoid wasting time on unimportant tasks.

• Relaxation is important to reduce the negative impact of stress on your body.
• Learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises.
• Take up relaxation exercises like yoga or tai chi.

To stay healthy, always get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly and eat well. As stress saps the body of important nutrients, it is wise to take dietary supplements daily, especially B-complex which helps to increase energy levels and improve alertness. Vitamin C and zinc also play important roles to maintain a healthy immune system.

If you feel helpless to overcome stress, do seek professional help.