Health Articles » Find Time for Stress Relief

We are becoming more stressed according to some reports. Older generations might disagree and point to all the time-saving appliances, mod-cons and unprecedented wealth we enjoy, but the statistics don't lie. Despite the absence of hard manual labour, the hardships and privation of world war, it appears we have the contemporary challenges of a breakdown in family relationships, the rising demands of technology, a turbulent world and simply too much stimulation.

Figures from the NOHSC (National Occupational Health & Safety Commission) show that stress is on the increase. And it's more than Mondayitis. Research from the National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health at the Australian National University, says changes in the workplace, putting productivity and profits before people, are taking their toll on workers. The study showed the higher the demands and less control they have, the more likely workers are to suffer anxiety, depression and physical illnesses and the more often they needed to visit their GPs. These findings were the same for blue-collar workers and white-collar professionals.

The trend is also showing up in work-related stress claims. Mental stress now accounts for 6% of all injury claims, up from 3% in 1997-98, according to the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. But in dollar terms it represents 21% of all claims ($200m a year), due to longer time spent off work and higher medical and legal bills for stress-related claims. Stress is a primitive response to a physical threat or danger - the body's red alert level. Adrenalin and cortisol hormones make the heart pump harder and faster, increase blood pressure, prime muscles for action and speed up breathing. Once the threat is dealt with, the body goes back to its resting state. But if there's no dealing with the threat, hormone levels stay elevated and start to cause illness.

ANU researchers believe there needs to be a better balance between the needs of business and the health of employees. Under state and federal occupational health and safety laws, employers have a duty of care to make sure the workplace is free of risks to mental and physical health. Individuals too need to be aware of the dangers of stress and take action when symptoms are evident. Around the world, companies are reaping the financial and organisational benefits of investing in the well-being of their people. According to research from the 2003 Best Employers to Work for in Australia study, companies that invested in their people are perceived to be better places to work and are more likely to retain key staff and outperform other organisations on financial measures. On their criteria, being among the Best Employers was not a matter of in-office massages, cake on your Birthday or even salary. Instead, accolades went to companies who made employees feel valued, respected, safe, well led, trained and informed.

The problem of taking time out for mental and physical well-being may also be cultural. Statistics show that 40% of Australians never take holidays and 43% take only a few weeks per year. Australians work more hours than most nations. According to a recent report from the International Labour Organisation, we are among the hardest workers in the world. One in five employees works at least 50 hours a week, at the expense of time with family, friends and leisure activities. Not to mention reading a book, taking a quiet stroll or having a facial!