How to Benefit from Stress Awareness Day

Most of us would rather not think about stress—but it is the first step toward managing your stress level, and a fantastic way to celebrate Stress Awareness Day.

Stress is a particular challenge for contractors. Their work environments can be tense. Tight deadlines, physical risks, demanding bosses and demanding customers all combine to make it so.

Of course, contractors are not alone in feeling stressed on the job. The fact is, work is—and by a large margin—the leading cause of stress for American adults.

Stress can be uncomfortable, but it’s important to remember that it’s just the first step down into even bigger problems. Those problems can range from high blood pressure to a weakened immune system to a diminished ability to concentrate—which could prove fatal for contractors who are working at height, entering situations where they must follow safety protocols, or using power tools.

And this time of year, stress can be an even bigger burden. As people look ahead toward the holiday season, they can worry about the financial impact of gift-giving, the inevitability of family gatherings that can result in arguments, or even travel plans and holiday menus.

This year, Stress Awareness Day just happens to fall on the first day of the month. So take some steps today, and commit to taking further steps all month long, to recognize stressful situations and manage them in a healthy way.

How to Manage Stress on the Job

  • Be open. If you have challenges or concerns with your workload or certain aspects of a project, talk about them with a supervisor. Construction is a high-risk industry, and the team’s safety relies on every single member of that team to be working at full capacity.
  • Take a break. Get away from the worksite: take a short brisk walk to energize body and mind.
  • Fuel your body. Be aware of what you’re consuming! Remember, for instance, that caffeine can heighten feelings of anxiety. Try packing healthy snacks for yourself, and keeping a water bottle handy to stay hydrated.
  • Focus on relaxation when you’re off the clock. Establish a regular workout routine, develop a spiritual practice, ensure you are getting sufficient sleep.

Excessive stress can have a negative impact on your body, mind, home life, and work. This month, commit to managing your response to stressful situations and feeling better on the clock and off.

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