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Stress in the workplace Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, February 2009.

Answers to questions about stress in the workplace

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Drinking helps me relax so how does it make stress worse?

Drinking alcohol can help you to relax in the short term, but long-term drinking to cope with stress can lead to a range of health and social problems including addiction, obesity and relationship difficulties. If you drink alcohol every day, your concentration and ability to work will be affected. This is likely to make you feel more stressed in the long run.

Explanation

It's possible that you enjoy a drink after work with colleagues or you have a drink when you get home to help you wind down. Although this is a common habit that usually doesn't cause immediate health problems, it can lead to them, especially if you're drinking alcohol on most days of the week. You should try to have at least two to three alcohol-free days each week.

Alcohol is a depressant and calms certain parts of the brain. This may help you to feel more relaxed and less stressed. However, drinking after work can become a habit. It's possible that you start by having a drink or two after work as a Friday treat, but this can progress until you're drinking alcohol every day. You may also be drinking more each day.

Although drinking alcohol may help you to temporarily forget the stresses of work, it doesn't make them go away. It's also likely that drinking too much will negatively affect how well you can do your work. This may increase the stress you're under.

If you're worried that you're drinking too much to help you cope with work, see your GP for advice and information about the best way to stop. He or she can also refer you to a community alcohol team if necessary. Your union, professional or staff association may also be able to help.

Further information

Sources

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Can stress give me heart disease?

If you're under stress at work most of the time, you may be at an increased risk of having a heart attack.

Explanation

Researchers have found a link between having a permanently stressful job and an increased risk of having a heart attack. However, it's not clear whether the stress itself causes heart attacks directly or if being stressed makes you behave in ways that are bad for your health.

Being stressed at work can raise your heart rate for long periods. In the long term, this may mean you're more at risk of developing an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). This can make you more likely to have a heart attack. In addition, when you're stressed, your body releases hormones that are involved in regulating many of the processes that go on inside your body. These include having an effect on how fat is stored and on inflammation inside your blood vessels. Both of these affect the health of your heart.

Stress also increases your blood pressure which can lead to heart disease if it isn't properly controlled.

If you're stressed at work, it may lead to you living a lifestyle that is bad for your heart, such as not doing enough exercise, eating too much takeaway or processed food and drinking too much alcohol. You may smoke because you feel stressed and this can also damage your heart.

Speak to your GP if you're concerned that stress at work is affecting your health.

Sources

  • Chandola T, Britton A, Brunner E et al. Work stress and coronary heart disease: what are the mechanisms? Eur Heart J 2008; 29(5):640-648
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Is complementary therapy helpful in treating stress?

Yes, although there isn't much scientific evidence that complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, acupuncture or Reiki work. However, many people find them helpful in coping with stress.

Explanation

There are many things that you can do to try to relax - different things work for different people. You may find that having a massage or an aromatherapy treatment helps, although better research is needed to show if they really reduce stress.

Many people find that having someone to talk to helps them cope with stress. This may be a complementary therapist, a counsellor or even a friend or relative. There are also specialist advisers called life coaches who can help you look at your work-life balance. Life coaches aim to help you identify and work towards your goals in life, for example, focusing on your confidence and negotiating skills. You may find this helpful, however, it isn't regulated and is only available privately.

Another approach is to consider therapies and activities that involve training your body to help it resist stress. One such therapy is the Alexander technique, which has recently been proven to be an effective treatment for chronic back pain when done on a one-to-one basis. This therapy uses exercises to restore a healthy posture and in the process claims to reduce tension and improve alertness, energy levels and even happiness.

Further information

Sources

  • Chandola T, Britton A, Brunner E et al. Work stress and coronary heart disease: what are the mechanisms? Eur Heart J 2008; 29(5):640-648
  • Little P, Lewith G, Webley F et al. Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain. BMJ 2008; 337(7667): 438-441. www.bmj.com
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: February 2009

 

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