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. New tooth coating could save you from the drill Thank you. · 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. Advertising Section decay, please complete this form and discuss your risk assessment with your dental team. of this tooth Fillings at the gum line fail after 2 to 3 years on the crown 21 | Friday, April 11, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com 17 · Thursday, October 20, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com A new cavity at the gum line Doesn't look like any old tooth brush does it! Risk factors for adult dental decay In fact, this brush is tiny and is used by our hygiene team to protect you from (more) cavities and Have you had 3 or more fillings and/or crowns in the past 2 years? the need for replacement crowns and even dental Do you have a dry mouth? implants down the road. This brush applies a long-lasting antibacterial tooth Are you receiving care for your gums every 3 or 4 months? coating which is clinically tested to protect your teeth Do you have extensive gum recession? from dental decay for a long time. This clear coating Do you smoke? is Health-Canada approved to be safe and effective. Do you need this brush and this coating? Complete Do you take 3 or more prescription medications each day? this short risk assessment and if you have two or You have Sjögren's, head-neck cancer or autoimmune disease. more risk factors, give us a call for a consultation. * 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 IfYES you have NO checked "yes" to 2 or more questions, please speak with your dental team as you may need more preventive care for your risk of dental decay including fillings, replacement crowns and implants. Your teeth and indeed your overall health will thank you. For more information about preventing dental decay and to book an appointment contact Dr. Joel De Souza at Olde Oakville Dental, 361 Cornwall Road, Unit 105 Oakville, by calling 905- 829-1666 or e-mailing info@oldeoakvilledental.com. This This brush, brush, or or the the drill? drill? YOUR NAME If you have checked "Yes" to 2 or more questions, please speak with your dental team as you may need more preventive care for your risk of dental decay including fillings, crowns and implants. DATE A new choice for your dental care ® We use this brush to apply an antibacterial tooth coating to your teeth. This coating can protect your teeth from cavities and avoid replacement crowns for years. Call us when you want long-lasting, clinically-tested, effective preventive dental care. Dr. Joel De Souza Olde Oakville Dental 361 Cornwall Road, #105 Oakville, ON L6J 7Z5 (905) 829-1666 Confident Smile Dental Hygiene Clinic 532 Postridge Drive Oakville, ON L6H 7T2 (905) 257-4257 Call us, visit the website below or find Partners in Prevention on Facebook PartnersinPrevention.ca Your preferred route to good oral health