|
||||
 |
|
|
||
|
|
Work Stress
Stress is Linked to Heart Disease ScienceDaily (Jan. 22, 2008) — New stress research has produced strong evidence of how stress at work is linked to the biological mechanisms involved in the onset of heart disease. The research is the first large-scale study to look at the cardiovascular impacts of stress at work in the population and provides the strongest evidence yet of the way it can lead to coronary heart disease (CHD). The research on stress and heart disease is part of the long-running Whitehall II study, which has been following 10,308 London-based civil servants since 1985, and which is led by Sir Michael Marmot, professor of epidemiology and public health at University College London, UK. Dr Tarani Chandola, a senior lecturer in UCL's Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, the first author of this EHJ study, said: "Stress at work is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease but the mechanisms underlying this association have remained unclear until now. This Stress at Work Research Study addressed three questions:
The researchers also found work stress was associated with poor health behaviours that could lead indirectly to coronary heart disease. He concluded: "This study demonstrates that cumulative stress at work can lead to Coronary Heart Disease through direct activation of neuroendocrine stress pathways and indirectly through unhealthy behaviours." - - Work stress and coronary heart disease: what are the mechanisms? European Heart Journal, doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehm584 According to a recent article the New York Times, Alina Tugend stated "many of us are too busy to know we are busy!" Feeling overwelmed and "burned out" at work, is becoming an important issue for employees and employers. They are asked to work longer hours and are often told "your'e lucky to have a job!" photo by Alex Eben Meyer Employees are often asked to take on more responsibilities and work longer hours. When an individual vents their feelings, they often hear "you’re lucky to have a job". If you’re suffering from job burnout—which is not to be confused with a general aversion to hard work—your work performance, health, and personal life suffer. Ultimately, so does the company that employs you. Employers and employees need to understand the conditions that often lead to stress at work, burnout and the symptoms of burnout. Special focus must be made as as companies downsize and the remaining employees take on added responsibility and are more stressed at work.. What Is Job Burnout? The Dictionary describes burnout as " Physical or emotional exhaustion, especially as a result of long-term stress or dissipation (squandering or depleting resources)." In her book Overcoming Job Burnout, Dr. Beverly Potter defines burnout as “a destruction of motivation caused by feelings of powerlessness. Power—the ability to influence and accomplish—is essential for well-being and sustained motivation.” Constant tension, lack of control and high expectations are considered some of the major stressors of employees. Causes of Workplace Stress According to a study conducted by Yale, stress in the workplace can be caused by a variety of situations:
Effects of Workplace Stress According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, stress at work can have a number of effects:
It is possible to maintain control in today's hectic work envioronment!
Guided Imagery Can Help
Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery) is a simple, well researched relaxation technique aimed at easing stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility at a stressful or difficult time in a person's life. Guided Imagery has made a difference in thousands of individuals suffering from the effects of stress at work. Guided Imagery Research has also shown that stimulating the brain through imagery may have a direct effect on both the endocrine and nervous systems, which lead to changes in immune system function. The use of a Guided Imagery CD is a simple, low cost, and effective tool for stress reduction and stress management. Numerous Guided Imagery Research Studies have shown that
Anxiety and Pain can be reduced by up to 65% within minutes.
Guided Imagery Research has also shown that stimulating the brain through imagery may have a direct effect on both the endocrine and nervous systems, which lead to changes in immune system function. Guided Imagery is a simple, low cost, and effective tool for stress reduction and stress management. Guided Imagery has been around for centuries, it has been termed by many words:
"...Guided imagery is a program of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state. You can use an instructor, tapes, or scripts to help you through this process.
|
|||
"During 12 years of follow-up, we found that chronic work stress was associated with coronary heart disease and this association was stronger among both men and women aged under 50 -- their risk of heart disease was an average of 68% more than for people who reported no stress at work. 
When stress occurs in any situation, it is important to step back and see the situation in a new light.
Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery,) is a relaxation technique aimed at easing stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility at a stressful or difficult time in a person's life.
An example often used is to imagine an orange or a lemon in great detail-the smell, the color, the texture of the peel. 
Guided Imagery (Meditations) have many uses. You can use it to promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and reduce other problems related to stress and anxiety. 
A resilient, happy employee is an asset to themselves, others and the entire company.
Research has shown that Guided Imagery can bring a person to a sense of peace and tranquility. 
Change doesn't need to bad, it is important to keep fresh and invigorated. Change is a natural part of growth.
If people are asked, what do you need most? Their answer is often, more time. However, it is up to us, how we choose to fill our time, or empty it. If we only had 30 days to live, are we doing the things that are most precious to us? 
states "Guided Imagery puts life back into your years, not years into your life." 
Life Coaching is a process and partnership with clients in a safe, non-judgmental environment. 
Have you ever sat down and thought, "Where do I want to be a year from now? 
A Life Coach works with individuals to assess where they are in life
Diane Tusek, President and Founder of Life Coaching Resource Center has 30 years of successful Guided Imagery and Life Coaching experience. 
Several weeks before Dana Reeves lost her courageous fight with lung cancer, she filmed a documentary on PBS titled "The New Medicine." 