The Symptoms of Stress

By Brian Maynor

 

It doesn’t matter your gender, race, profession, salary or years of experience, everyone suffers from stress at work.

In fact, over 70% of people consider their workplace a significant source of stress.  That’s awful.  We spend a considerable amount of our time at work, which means we are spending a considerable amount of time under stress.  It’s no wonder most of us are dissatisfied with our quality of life or feel askew in our work/life balance.

Stress is our body’s natural reaction to any type of demand that disrupts our normal routine.  In small amounts, stress is good because it can motivate us to achieve more or conquer our fears, but most of the time we experience the negative effects of stress.

While everyone reacts to stress differently, according to the American Psychological Association, here are some of the most common signs of stress that we should be on the lookout for:

1.    Headaches, Muscle Tension and Neck or Back Pain.  These are some of the most common ailments in a workspace and it’s no surprise since when we feel stressed our first reaction is to tighten our shoulders and neck, or clench our jaw.  Don’t be tempted to dismiss these signs as mere physical repercussions of poor posture or long hours sitting.

2.    Trouble Focusing.  Lapses in concentration are normal, and something everyone deals with to some degree, but if it’s frequently hard to concentrate or focus then that is a sign of a bigger problem.  While we may chalk it up to too much on our plate, the root cause is the stress associated with taking on too much.

3.    Apathy.  When we feel overwhelmed sometimes we tend to simply check out.  I call this autopilot, because we have no enthusiasm, interest or concern for what we’re doing.  We’re merely going through the motions.  This may not feel like stress because we aren’t really feeling anything, but it’s definitely a warning sign.

4.    Anxiety and Anger.  These are two emotional responses that often manifest in our behavior.  Whether it’s nervous fidgeting, agitation, short tempers or snarky responses, these are all side effects of stress.  So we shouldn’t be too quick to forget and move on after our apology.  Take a minute to examine what really caused us to react that way.

5.    Skin Irritations and Stomach Problems.  Stress is often the cause of an acne breakout, rash, hives, indigestion, or general upset stomach.  Our organs, skin included, are not exempt from reacting to stress.  While we may influence the reaction with poor choices, they are not the sole cause.   Stress affects our body’s physiology, which is expressed through these symptoms.

Think of stress as our body’s warning system, just like our car’s “check engine” light.  Symptoms of stress are indicators that something’s not right, and if we only focus on the symptoms, neglecting the cause, we’ll be heading for a major breakdown.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.