This article was originally published in the Union Leader on September 22nd, 2024.
By Bill Bourassa
When it comes to important relationships, have you ever considered that your relationship with your job may be one of the most influential relationships you can have? U.S. adults spend more time working than any other waking-hour activity, including caregiving, exercising and athletics, eating and drinking. So, when you think about health and longevity, a person’s job, and stress associated with that job, has tremendous impact.
Impact of stress on long-term health
Work-related stress affects 83% of employees, 25% of whom report their job is the primary stressor in their lives. The issue with experiencing ongoing stress is that it can contribute to a host of short and long-term health problems–heart disease, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues and insomnia, to name a few. In addition to contributing to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, stress is also associated with time lost on activities that improve wellness such as exercise, sleep, time spent with friends and family and maintaining a healthy diet.
Staying Healthy in the Workplace
Since work is a necessity for most, being your healthiest self includes creating a healthy relationship with work and managing stress. Consider what may be causing work-related stress. Factors like lack of control over process, long or busy workdays, unclear expectations, lack of support and microaggressions and biases can all contribute to feeling stressed at work. Identifying root causes can help you better understand how to minimize work-related stressors.
Support and strategies for managing stress
While it can be difficult to ask for help, seeking support from management and colleagues to find meaningful resolutions can be the first step to getting workplace stress under control. It can also help free up time for those activities that contribute to mental well-being, as well as the option to seek professional help.
Other ways to help reduce workplace stress may happen outside of the workplace. Be sure to truly unplug when taking time off. Give yourself the break you need without reading emails and responding to requests. Get regular exercise and try relaxation techniques, like mindfulness and meditation. And don’t forget to do what you can to get a good night’s sleep. Reduce screen time when you’re away from the office, especially right before bed.
It’s normal to experience small levels of workplace stress now and then. But tackle it head on if it starts to interfere with your health and well-being. Being aware of work-related stress, prioritizing stress management and creating a healthy relationship with work can lead to a healthier, happier, and longer life.
In September 2019, Bill joined Harvard Pilgrim as Maine’s Director of Sales. He is responsible for leading the sales team and sales growth through development and managing customer/broker relationships. Bill has more than 25 years of experience in health care sales and account management and is now the Director of Sales for Regional Commercial Markets.