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Help address stress with LHF healthplan
Work can provide self-worth, purpose, structure and fulfilment, but for some the workplace can be the cause of anxiety, worry and stress.
It has been reported that one in five people find their work either ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressful and more than half a million people report that they have been made ill as a result of their work (www.hse.gov.uk - September 2007).
The physical symptoms of stress can manifest themselves in a number of ways and include skins problems, neck ache, back ache, aches and pains from muscle tension, stomach pain, tension headaches, heart palpitations, sweaty palms and nausea.
Raman Sankaran, member services director at LHF Healthplan comments: “We are all well aware that some element of pressure is part and parcel of work and helps to keep performance and motivation high – but excessive pressure can lead to stress which undermines performance and make people ill.”
Are you aware of the symptoms of stress? If you know what the symptoms are then you will be able to recognise them in yourself and others.
With relaxing summer holidays well and truly over for another 12 months, why not make sure that you nurture your feelings of well-being at work by following the top five tips below:
How long would it take you to clear your desk of every piece of paper? Do you leave your work at the end of the day with piles of stuff still lying around? If a tidy desk equals a tidy mind, perhaps it’s not surprising that letting the clutter pile up can pile on the stress. You might be surprised to learn that a little organisation can go a long way to making you feel more in control.
Make sure that you keep up to date with regular health checks, including visits to the dentist and optician and remember that a healthy body usually equals a healthy mind.
Taking regular exercise can help to relieve some of the symptoms of stress and add balance to your life, so why not take time out during your day and go for a stroll around the block at lunchtime.
Stress can affect your sleep, so why not keep a pad and pen on your bedside table, this will enable you to tackle the worries that stop you from sleeping by writing them down. Look at your notes the next day, the problem may not seem as bad!
Finally, why not indulge in some acupuncture, homeopathy or reflexology. Used to relax, refresh and re-energise, these complimentary therapies can be as a simple answer to stress that can be used on a regular basis to encourage patients to unwind and release tension.
By making small changes to our daily routine, we can all take important steps to ensuring we stay in good health and with a healthplan from LHF the cost of regular trips to the dentist and optician and access to complimentary therapies needn’t be a worry.
This information is intended as general guidance only and you should always consult your GP or other healthcare professional for specific advice.
LHF Healthplan can help families keep healthy and well by helping them budget for mounting healthcare costs. It helps individuals and families take control of their everyday essential healthcare costs through an affordable range of healthplans.
For further information on LHF Healthplan visit www.lhfhealthplan.co.uk or call 0800 056 0366.