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19 | Friday, July 17, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Advertising Section Tips to help you cope with stress at work Extra work k load l d takes k its toll ll on the h mental l health h l h of f employees l The workers of the world are working more. So says an annual study of employee benefit trends from MetLife. In 2010, 40 percent of employees admitted their workload had increased compared with the previous year. While there are many reasons that can account for a heavier workload at the office, heavy layoffs in countries across the globe has, in many instances, left those who weren't laid off with extra work. And companies might be surprised to know just how much this approach isn't working. TheMetLife study also found that 68 percent of employees surveyed reported that the quality of their work had suffered and that fear of losing their jobs played a significant role in how well they did their jobs. Good stress and bad stress While employees might not be able to quell their fears of one day being laid off, there are things they can do to reduce the stress that often accompanies such fears. Stress is a part of most professions and can even be a good motivator. However, when stress is prolonged or excessive, the results can be very unhealthy. Men and women with high stress levels are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and cardiovascular disease. When faced with prolonged or excessive stress at the office, men and women can take the following approaches to avoid succumbing to stress. 17 · Thursday, October 20, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Advertorial · Manage time effectively. One of the problems with an increased workload is the time in the day to complete that work does not simultaneously increase. This reality makes it easy to become overwhelmed with stress. But a few time management techniques can help. Prioritize certain tasks, ensuring projects that are time-sensitive get done ahead of f those that aren't. When setting a schedule for work, be realistic. If a schedule isn't realistic, that will only cause more stress. · Maintain a personal life. Effectively managing stress at work involves having a personal life away from the office. All work and no play is a recipe for stress. No matter how big a workload awaits you at the office, be sure to make time for enjoyable activities away from work. Spend time with friends and family, plan a weekend getaway or simply relax at home. Such time, even if it's not as often as you might like, makes dealing with stress at the office that much easier to handle. · Remain physically active. Exercise is a great remedy for stress. In fact, the American Psychological Association notes that studies have suggested physically active people have lower rates of anxiety and depression than sedentary people. While research is ongoing, some researchers feel exercise enhances the body's ability to respond to stress. In addition, exercise seems to give the body practice at dealing with stress. While exercising, the body's physiological systems are forced to communicate with one another. These same systems must also communicate with one another when responding to stress. Regular exercise helps the body communicate more efficiently, something that helps when the time comes to respond to stress. Stress at the office is likely always going to be a concern for working men and women. However, there are ways to effectively cope with stress no matter how daunting a workload might be. (MNS) * Determine what is causing the stress. Stress triggers vary depending on the individual, so men and women who are coping with excessive stress should write down anything that causes them a negative response, whether that response is physical, emotional or mental. After a week, sit down and look at the various things that triggered these negative responses. Choose one and work to resolve it. Determine if there is a way this trigger can be avoided. Do this with each trigger one by one. It might not be possible to successfully address each trigger, but it's worth the try and it is likely that certain triggers can be successfully avoided. Heavier workloads have left many workers dealing with elevated levels of stress. 20 010 Gold Aw ward Winne er Oa akv kville e Be Beaver eaver Oakville Dental Arts Gardening tips to grow healthier (NC) It's a given that getting out in the garden will increase your home's curb appeal, but there are many unseen benefits too. Research has shown gardening can have a very positive impact on our health ­ whether it is encouraging exercise or reducing stress. For those with chronic health conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is sometimes a fear that gardening lovers will have to give up this hobby. But as long as you take steps to do it safely, gardening should be encouraged, not eliminated. COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a respiratory disease that causes symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing up phlegm. If you are experiencing shortness of breath while enjoying activities like gardening, it's a sign your COPD could be better managed. If you take medication for COPD but are still experiencing shortness of breath, there may be treatment options available that can help you breathe better. There are other healthy choices you can make to help you garden safely with COPD: · Choose the right tools: Find lightweight tools as well as those with extra-long or extendable handles. · Choose moderation: Take frequent breaks and don't try to take on a whole project at once. · Choose the right weather conditions: Watch the weather reports and avoid gardening on days with high pollen levels or extreme heat. · Choose the right medication in collaboration with your doctor: COPD treatments have evolved and improved with many options currently available. Ask your doctor about personalized treatment options that include once-daily dosing. It's time to live well with COPD. For information and support in living well with COPD, visit www.copdsigns.ca. But not at the Y! Joi fam n as a sav ily a e 2 nd 5% ! n ow o f f e r i n g P h ys i ot h e r a P y o s t eo Pat h y at h l e t i c t h e r a P y Be a healthy role model and have fun together. ymcaofoakville.org oakvillesportsmedicinecentre.ca 905 337 8455