After taking the test above, I learned that I am a very stressed out individual for my age. After taking the life stress inventory test, I had a score totaling 291; I am unsure of what the average score for this specific test is for people my age; but I feel I am very stressed during this time in my life. While taking the coping and stress management skills test, I found that I poorly handle the stress that I am under; and tend to sweep it under the rug – not dealing with it and pushing it off. Basically, I keep pushing things back until they build up and become bigger problems in the long run.
Steps that I can take as I progress through my professional career to help manage stress include tracking my stressors, and how I respond to them. As well as developing healthy responses, establishing boundaries, taking time to recharge, learning how to relax, talking to a supervisor or a professional therapist, and getting support.
Based on my findings through internet research on the stress and current health concerns to organizations; I have found that workplace stress has adverse effects on workers mental health. With an increased risk of anxiety, burnout, depression, and substance use disorders; workers who experience stress while at work may engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, and poor dietary patterns.
What organizations are doing to help employees manage their health and cope with stress includes encouraging employees to take advantage of stress management programs such as classes, yoga, or meditation. Making sure workers take regular breaks, exercise daily, take time for family and friends, and pursue hobbies is also important to manage stress.
References:
https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress
