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17 · Thursday, October 20, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, January 17, 2013 · 16 Advertising Section Tips to help you cope with stress at work Extra work k load l d takes k its toll ll on the h mental l health h l h of f employees l The workers of the world are working more. So says an annual study of employee benefit trends from MetLife. In 2010, 40 percent of employees admitted their workload had increased compared with the previous year. While there are many reasons that can account for a heavier workload at the office, heavy layoffs in countries across the globe has, in many instances, left those who weren't laid off with extra work. And companies might be surprised to know just how much this approach isn't working. TheMetLife study also found that 68 percent of employees surveyed reported that the quality of their work had suffered and that fear of losing their jobs played a significant role in how well they did their jobs. · Manage time effectively. One of the problems with an increased workload is the time in the day to complete that work does not simultaneously increase. This reality makes it easy to become overwhelmed with stress. But a few time management techniques can help. Prioritize certain tasks, ensuring projects that are time-sensitive get done ahead of f those that aren't. When setting a schedule for work, be realistic. If a schedule isn't realistic, that will only cause more stress. Make family time active time at the YMCA this winter · Maintain a personal life. Effectively managing stress at work involves having a personal life away from the office. All work and no play is a recipe for stress. No matter how big a workload awaits you at the office, be sure to make time for enjoyable activities away from work. Spend time with friends and family, plan a weekend getaway or simply relax at home. Such time, even if it's not as often as you might like, makes dealing with stress at the office that much easier to handle. · Remain physically active. Exercise is a great remedy for stress. In fact, the American Psychological Association notes that studies have suggested physically active people have lower rates of anxiety and depression than sedentary people. While research is ongoing, some researchers feel exercise enhances the body's ability to respond to stress. In addition, exercise seems to give the body practice at dealing with stress. While exercising, the body's physiological systems are forced to communicate with one another. These same systems must also communicate with one another when responding to stress. Regular exercise helps the body communicate more efficiently, something that helps when the time comes to respond to stress. Stress at the office is likely always going to be a concern for working men and women. However, there are ways to effectively cope with stress no matter how daunting a workload might be. (MNS) Heavier workloads have left many workers dealing with elevated levels of stress. We all know that creating a healthy lifestyle for our family is important, but with winter upon us, it can be challenging to find ways to be active. Why not head to the YMCA where you and your family can get active together. When the weather outside is chilly and cold, our Peter Gilgan Family YMCA is a great place to bring your family to warm up and get moving. We have a wide range of health, fitness and recreation opportunities including a double gym, fitness classes from A to Z, a rock climbing wall, two indoor pools, a modern Wellness Centre * Determine what is causing the stress. Stress triggers vary depending on the individual, so men and women who are coping with excessive stress should write down anything that causes them a negative response, whether that response is physical, emotional or mental. After a week, sit down and look at the various things that triggered these negative responses. Choose one and work to resolve it. Determine if there is a way this trigger can be avoided. Do this with each trigger one by one. It might not be possible to successfully address each trigger, but it's worth the try and it is likely that certain triggers can be successfully avoided. Good stress and bad stress While employees might not be able to quell their fears of one day being laid off, there are things they can do to reduce the stress that often accompanies such fears. Stress is a part of most professions and can even be a good motivator. However, when stress is prolonged or excessive, the results can be very unhealthy. Men and women with high stress levels are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and cardiovascular disease. When faced with prolonged or excessive stress at the office, men and women can take the following approaches to avoid succumbing to stress. 20 010 Gold Aw ward Winne er Oa akv kville e Be Beaver eaver featuring the latest in fitness equipment and much more. We're proud to offer something for everyone in your family. A YMCA family membership package is also all-inclusive, which makes it great value and a convenient time-saving option for you and your family. With affordable monthly membership fees, your family can be active, challenged, involved and part of a larger community striving for the same goal of a healthy spirit, mind, and body. As a charity, we also offer financial assistance to those who are not able to afford the full fee of a YMCA membership. Donors to our YMCA Strong Kids campaign make it possible for the YMCA to ensure everyone is able to benefit from a YMCA program. Open House January 21 to 26 To help you discover just how convenient and affordable a YMCA family membership can be, we're inviting you to come to our Peter Gilgan Family YMCA for an Open House event from January 21 to 26. During this time you can find out more about us and as a special bonus, you'll receive a free YMCA Family Pass to check out our programs and amenities on your next visit. Drop by next week to see why the YMCA is a great place for you and your family to make family time active! Makeime familyet t ime activ A YMCA membership is the perfect way for you and your family to get active -- and spend quality time together. Our membership packages are all-inclusive! Take swimming lessons, work out, try group fitness, play sports, rock climb and more ­ all included in an affordable monthly fee. Financial assistance is also available. Connect with us! YMCAOakville @YMCAOakville January 21-26, Come in for a tour and get a FREE Family Pass! YMCA of Oakville 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville T: 905 845-3417 E: info@oakville.ymca.ca ymcaofoakville.com Open House YMCA of Oakville Scan to see a video overview! Peter Gilgan Family YMCA