In The News

From the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, researchers found that the effect of anxiety in the workplace is closely connected to the quality of relationships between employees, their bosses and their co-workers. Additionally, researchers also found that high levels of emotional exhaustion from workplace anxiety would also directly lead to lower job performances.

These results impact not only the individual at the corporate office, but also your physician, police officers, attorneys and others whose decisions have make or break, life or death, results in your life.

The study also revealed that the quality of the relationships that police officers had with their peers can help reduce the potentially harmful effects of anxiety at work. One of the lead researchers stated that when emotional and mental resources are depleted by conflict and anxiety, potentially harmful effects happen in the workplace.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150820144848.htm 

Daily Health Tip

Reducing the amount of anxiety you experience has benefits in the workplace, in your overall health and in your relationships. Those who suffer from anxiety have a higher risk of depression, substance abuse, trouble sleeping, bowel problems, headaches, suicide and a poor quality of life.

Are you at higher risk for experiencing anxiety? Women, people who suffered a trauma, those who have other mental disorders, people with a blood relative with anxiety, those who use drugs or alcohol, people with specific personality types or those who have experienced life situation that are known to produce stress are all at higher risk for developing anxiety.

In other words, the majority of the population falls into one or more of these categories – making each of us at risk for experiencing anxiety which reduces our potential at home, work or in our relationships.

Making Changes

1. Take a deep breath because there are strategies you can use to reduce your stress levels. Deep diaphragmatic breathing is a powerful technique because it naturally activates the body’s ability to relax. Slowly inhale to a count of four, hold it for a count of four and then release it slowly.

2. Get enough sleep each night. Physical exhaustion increases our emotional and mental exhaustion as well.

3. Research shows us that laughter and smiling can reduce tension and anxiety, almost immediately.  Keep a list of funny video clips to play on your phone or computer. Keep a ‘happy thought’ in your head that you know will make you smile.

4. Keep an attitude of gratitude. Studies have found that those who express gratitude for the little things in life can reduce their anxiety, especially when they are well rested.

5. Plan ahead for those times during the day when you experience stress and anxiety. Know what triggers your feelings and what stress reduction techniques work best for you.

6. Keep a bottle of natural essential oil in your desk or purse. Basil, anise and chamomile are choices that help reduce the tension in your body and also increase the clarity of your thinking.

Try one, two or all of the techniques above to help reduce the stress and anxiety that YOU experience each day. Through a proactive approach you can reduce stress and improve job performance – which just might get you the promotion you’ve been hoping for!

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team