Managing Workplace Stress

<p>Stress in the workplace is at an all-time high, thanks to COVID-19. From budget cuts to adjusting to being remote, to going back to the office after being remote, more and more people are stressed out, and it affects their mental health.</p> <p>In episode 93 of the Mental Health Today Show, I talk about Managing Workplace Stress.</p> <p>Managing deadlines, dealing with a difficult boss, juggling between working from home and helping your kids who are also remote, job layoffs, and worrying how to pay this month's rent or mortgage takes a toll on your mental health.</p> <p>Stress affects sleep, mood, energy levels, and relationships, and can be harmful to your body.</p> <p>A tiny place in our brains called the Amygdala activates our limbic system and creates a stress hormone called cortisol. But, when the cortisol levels are too high for too long, our body will feel the negative effects of stress.</p> <p>Negative effects of stress = rapid heart rate, blood pressure increase, blood sugar rises, muscles tense up, pupils dilate, and perspiration increases.</p> <p> <strong>Three stages of the stress response:</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Activation:</strong> We first perceive a threat, and our Amygdala goes into a fight, flight, or freeze mode. </li> <li><strong>Reaction:</strong> Our body stays activated with a high level of metabolic levels in an effort to stay alert.</li> <li><strong>Exhaustion:</strong> Prolong exposure to the stressor will eventually deplete our body's immune system.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Ways to Manage Workplace Stress:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Take micro-breaks throughout the day.</li> <li>Do something you enjoy.</li> <li>Spend time with people who fill you up.</li> <li>Get a pet.</li> <li>Make intentional downtime for yourself.</li> <li>Practice controlled breathing. Close your lips, inhale deeply, hold your breath for 4 seconds, blow air out of your mouth for 5-8 seconds, repeat slowly 8 times. </li> </ol> <p>Be sure to visit the show's website at <a href= "https://www.mentalhealthtodayshow.c