Workplace stress is one of the biggest causes of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and poor mental health in the modern world. The scariest part about workplace stress is that many people don’t understand how critical – and potentially dangerous – it is to our mental health.
Sure, everyone goes through workplace stress every once in awhile. You have to pull some double shifts, you work overtime to finish a big project – this is normal. But prolonged workplace stress can have some serious negative effects on our lives, as we’ll see below.
We’re going to take a look at 4 scary statistics about workplace stress, so that you can understand how stress is affecting you, and take steps to mitigate your stress and improve your mental state.
1. 77% Of People Experience Physical Pain Because Of Stress
Stress is much more than just a psychological issue. Stress can cause serious physical symptoms – and in 77% of people, stress leads to physical pain and discomfort.
- Upset stomachs
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Clenching or grinding of teeth
- Muscle tension
And much more. Because of these issues, high levels of prolonged stress can lead to a serious deterioration in your quality of life.
2. Money And Work Cause Of 76% Of Stress
It’s not a coincidence that these two are so closely linked. Money worries are always a major cause of stress. If you’re under pressure at work and are worried about your performance, losing your job, or not getting a raise, your stress can be compounded.
This can lead to a vicious cycle where your stress affects your work – making you feel even more stressed out, and less likely to perform well.
3. Millennials Report Higher Levels Of Stress Than Any Other Age Group
There is a lot of discussion about millennials these days – both good and bad. But one thing is a fact – millennials suffer higher levels of stress than any other age group.
A 2015 APA study showed that millennials suffered an average reported stress level of 6.0 on a 10-point scale. For comparison, baby boomers reported an average stress level of 4.3, and “matures” reported a level of only 3.5.
Given that money and work are major causes of stress, this is not too surprising. Millennials are having a much harder time finding great careers than baby boomers – and on average, they make 20% less than baby boomers did at their age.
4. 48% Of People Say Stress Makes It Harder For Them To Sleep At Night
Sleep is a time when our bodies can rest, repair themselves, and prepare for the next day – both physically and mentally.
High levels of stress can make it difficult to sleep well, interrupting this process and leading to overall poor levels of physical and mental health. Lack of sleep is associated increased risks of depression and anxiety, and a whole host of physical health issues.
Discuss The Effects Of Workplace Stress – And Don’t Let It Control Your Life
Workplace stress doesn’t have to rule your life. If you’re experiencing serious stress at work, or stress from your personal life is having an effect on your career, you should consider seeking help from a professional, or discuss your issues with management to see how you can reduce your stress levels at work.
And remember,
The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. – William James
