Feel like you're always under the gun at work? Are you the "yes man" who is always told what to do but has no authority to make decisions or delegate? Is your boss a living, breathing nightmare that never cuts you a break? If you can answer yes to these questions, your health could be at risk. Why? Several research studies in recent years found that chronic exposure to high levels of stress in the workplace increases blood pressure. Since high blood pressure, known as the "silent killer," can go virtually undetected with no obvious symptoms, your health could be suffering and you may not even know it. Defining Stress We all have stress. The stress of finances, raising kids, performing well on the job you name it. Stress can be different for everyone because people are affected differently by different things. It's pretty hard to nail down one common thing that causes stress for everyone. However, based on research findings, it's a good bet that if your job involves high-pressure demands, little to no control or authority, and a poor support network, you could be in trouble over the long haul. Blood pressure notwithstanding, chronic stress can also cause other health conditions such as anxiety and depression, both of which can be debilitating in some cases. Social isolation, apathy, and poor physical health can be some results of these conditions, and when it comes to doing a job well, apathy will definitely not work in your favor when review time rolls around. What You Can Do About It Think you could have a problem? See your doctor. Even if you have no symptoms, get checked out, especially if your job seems to leave you feeling more burnt out than fulfilled on a pretty regular (if not constant) basis. What you may attribute to just "being tired" could be a symptom of a much bigger problem. See what the doc says, and follow his or her advice. Get Out Your Running Shoes Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your heart, and your mood. It's scientifically proven to strengthen the heart, and increase endorphin levels (the little "feel-good" jobbers that get produced when you exercise). It probably doesn't hurt that it can help you lose a few pounds as well (not that we think you need it!). Let's see, move more, feel good, lose weight. Yep! Sounds like a winning combination. When All Else Fails What's the best way to stay healthy in spite of chronic job stress? Get a new job! Really! Especially if your current one is killing you.
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