Say no to stress!

Say no to stress!

Unable to fall asleep in bed at night and worrying for hours on end
Waking up in the middle of the night, unable to go back to sleep
Forgetfulness as if you have dementia
Easily triggered
So tired after work that all you can do in the evening is hang out on the couch

Do you recognize this? Chances are you suffer to a greater or lesser extent from stress.

And you are certainly not the only one. The TNO-2022 factsheet work stress [1] shows that

• By 2022, 1.3 million employees will be suffering from burnout. This amounts to 17%.
• 37% of employees cite work-related stress as a reason for absenteeism.
• Absenteeism due to work stress will increase by 15% in 2021 compared to 2020.

These are all impressive numbers that reflect the seriousness of the situation and highlight the urgency to do something about it.

Our contemporary lifestyle causes increased stress levels in many people. Chronic stress prevents the body from returning to its resting state and is at the root of a large number of disorders and diseases [2].

The combination of mental pressure, too much to do, too little or too one-sided exercise and an unhealthy diet are one of the main causes.

What can you do about this yourself?

Here are some tips against stress [3]:

• Make very conscious choices, being stressed for long periods of time is not normal and very unhealthy. Stand up for yourself, say no if you feel you are going over your limit.
• Make sure you alternate periods of stress with relaxation. Relaxation is the bridge to less stress.
• Exercise regularly. Lots of exercise is healthy, more exercise even healthier.
• Eat healthy and don’t drink alcohol or limit your use. Make sure that you are a casual drinker and do not become a habitual drinker.
• Do not smoke.
• Maintain a tidy environment. A tidy home or workplace is a tidy head.
• Postpone things if you are too stressed, and focus only on the things that really have to be done.
• Establish rhythm: make sure you get up and go to bed at the same time every day and eat around the same times.
• Think optimistically, be content and grateful. Being positive in life makes you more resilient in dealing with (stressful) challenges.
• Do something that calms you: go into nature, meditate or listen to quiet music.
• Ask for help. If the pressure becomes too much for you, talk about it with your manager, your colleagues, friends or family. Seek support: shared sorrow is half sorrow.

A whole list of tips! Some perhaps a little easier to fit into your day than others. The important thing is that you take action, say no to stress! Take care of yourself and make the right choices: just because you are worth it!

[1] TNO-2022-workstress: factsheet week of workstress 2022
[2] The emotional DNA. Feelings do not exist, they are created. Prof. Dr. Pierre Capel, 2022
[3] Trimbos institute