STRESS

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IMPORTANCE OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE

As with most things in life, moderation is the key. People who are constantly tied to their jobs deal with the symptoms of stress and burnout. Overworked employees are more likely to suffer health problems, more likely to be absent and/or sick, less efficient, less sociable, and overall more difficult to work with. It is in the best interest of both the employee and employer to avoid these pitfalls through smart human resource management.

Now that we’re clear around what work life balance is and who it’s for, let’s go through the top 9 reasons why work life balance is important.

Reason #1: Work Life Balance Means Less Stress

Work place stress causes about 7 million Nigerians to suffer from stress and depression annually, which usually leads to death. Most Nigerians identify their jobs as their main source of stress.

The biggest problem is that most people think they have no choice, but that’s not really true.

Remember that work life balance is ultimately created through your choices, that is also what is causing most of your stress. By agreeing to take on more work when you don’t have the capacity or not delegating work that could be delegated, you’re creating more stress for yourself.

Here are the choices you could start making for yourself to relieve a lot of your stress and anxiety:

·         Saying NO to things that aren’t priorities.

·         Delegating as much as can be delegated.

·         Choosing to do things that are priorities (and letting go of non-priorities).

·         Prioritizing your own well-being.

The end result is a more manageable workload and more time doing the things that are important to you. That’s going to greatly decrease your stress and anxiety levels.

 

Reason #2: Work Life Balance will improve your mental health

One of the biggest reasons why work life balance is important is because it relates to your mental health. When you feel balanced you’re more capable of dealing with negative emotions and thoughts.

The human brain isn’t meant to feel stressed-out and under pressure all the time.

Creating more balance in your life gives you breathing space to think, which allows your subconscious thoughts to bubble up to the surface.

Reason #3: Work Life Balance Means Better Physical Health

Part of creating a balance for yourself includes taking care of your physical health. And yes, that includes things like:

·         Eating healthy meals.

·         Reducing sugar and alcohol intake.

·         Healthy sleep habits.

·         Regular exercise.

Most professionals are chained to a desk most of the day and glued to your couch at night because of how exhausted and stressed they are.

That means that most professionals are often found sitting and never outside.

 

The simple fact is that human beings aren’t meant to sit so much, nor are they meant to be cooped up indoors. You’re meant to stand, move and get outdoors. That means that achieving balance includes more movement and outdoor activity.

Reason #4: A Balance Lifestyle Enhances Your Ability to Be Present

One of the biggest complaints from most people is the inability to be present (both at home and at work). What that looks like is this:

·         Your mind feels like it’s always “on”, racing and cluttered with thoughts that can sometimes be difficult to interpret.

·         Always thinking about work when with family and friends (which the leads you to constantly check email).

·         Worrying about what’s going on in your personal life when trying to work (such as your overflowing laundry, family etc.)

The good new is that your brain can be trained to be more present and calmer through consistent practice of specific mindfulness practices. Doing that is part of how you create a balanced life.

 

Reason #5: Work Life Balance Improves Your Relationships

Working too much means less time with those you love, but it also means less quality time with them too. It’s pretty difficult to be present and give others your full attention when exhausted and overwhelmed.

A balanced lifestyle means more time with family and friends that’s high quality

 

Having a balanced lifestyle means developing deep connections with other people (and not just family, but colleagues and friends too).

Reason #6: A Balanced Lifestyle Increases Engagement at Work

When employees are happy and feel motivated by their job, they’re more likely to be loyal and engaged. Being engaged is about feeling committed to something so that your do your best.

 

Many employers falsely believe that engagement is created through pressure or incentives. Although this might work (a little) in the short-term, it ultimately creates stress, anxiety and resentment. That’s not exactly a recipe for long term engagement or morale

 

Reason #7: Work Life Balance Increases Creative Thinking

The brain needs space to think, it is not meant to be constantly bombarded by people, social media, email, phone calls and texts.

When you’re stressed, overwhelmed and/or anxious, you have no capacity to think creatively, but with balance comes clear, creative thinking, and that means better work product too.

 

Reason #8: Real Balance Brings Happiness and Fulfillment

One of the biggest reasons why work life balance is important is for your own happiness and fulfillment. Balance is about feeling good about yourself and being in control of your life and career path.

Reason #9: Work Life Balance Brings Higher Levels of Success

There’s a misconception that balance doesn’t work for those who want to be successful but that is just not true, it is based on a common misconception that work life is about settling for less. Work life balance is about creating a life of success on your terms by:

·         Prioritizing and focusing on what’s most important to you;

·         Ensuring your own well-being (thereby enabling you to serve others to the best of your ability); and

·         Being in control of your life.

A balanced lifestyle makes you more well-rounded, a more creative thinker and more productive, that means, you’ll have more ability for success in both your personal and professional life.

 

 

 

 

 

Credit: Heather Moulder, J.D, ACC(2021) 

https://www.pasadenavilla.com/2019/05/08/work-life-balance-importance/

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210302-why-work-life-balance-is-not-an-achievement

Articles  ·  Publications
What is Stress?

What is Stress?

Stress is the body’s natural response to changes in our life. These changes can be positive or negative and because life involves constant change, our goal should not be to eliminate all stress as that is impossible but to eliminate unnecessary stress and effectively manage the rest.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recognizes two types of stress:

Acute Stress: This type of stress is short-term and is a more common form of stress. It often develops when we consider the pressures of events that have recently occurred or face upcoming challenges in the near future. For example, we may feel stressed about an upcoming work project or an examination. Acute stress will usually disappear once we meet the task. The short-term effects of acute stress include headaches, an upset stomach, as well a moderate amount of distress.

Chronic Stress: This type of stress develops over a long period and is more harmful. It occurs when we can not see a way to avoid the stressors and stop seeking solutions. For example, it can be caused by a traumatic experience or a continuous negative occurrence. Chronic stress makes it difficult for the body to return to a normal level of stress hormone activity and can go unnoticed for a while, as people can become used to feeling agitated or hopeless.

A lifestyle of frequent stress can lead to anxiety, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, low body immunity, PTSD, sleeping difficulties, stomach upset, erectile dysfunction, etc.

Signs of Stress

Fatigue, Aggressiveness, Irritability, Frustration, Depression, Restlessness, Forgetfulness, Headaches, Muscle spasms, Nervous twitches, Chest or Back Pain, etc.

Stress Associated Behaviors

Food cravings or not eating at all, sudden angry outbursts, drug & alcohol misuse, higher tobacco consumption, social withdrawal, frequent crying, relationship problems, etc.

Treatment

Medicine: Doctors will not usually prescribe medications for coping with stress unless they are treating an underlying illness such as depression or an anxiety disorder. In such cases, antidepressants will be prescribed. There is however a risk that the medication will only mask the stress rather than help resolve it. People struggling with overwhelming stress are strongly encouraged to seek medical assistance.

Stress Relieve: This includes exercise, reduction in the intake of alcohol, drugs & caffeine, a balanced diet, priority/time management, rest, constant communication with loved ones, acknowledging the stressors, etc.

Noticing the signs and symptoms of stress is the first step to taking action.

Stress Management Techniques

Removing or changing the source of stress, altering how we view stressful events, lowering the effects that stress might have on our bodies, learning alternative ways of coping, etc.

 

An unknown author once said, and i quote “Don’t stress the Could Haves, If It Should Have, It Would Have.”

Image: https://www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/dr-kim-foster-wicked-health/how-to-create-a-stress-management-plan

Articles  ·  Publications
Health, Safety, Security and Environment Brief

HEALTH TIPS

There have been reports of a third wave of COVID-19 in various countries and a warning from the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 for Nigerians to be wary of neglecting the guidelines set by NCDC. Thus, it is essential for individuals to take responsibility for the protection of themselves, loved ones, and the community. The following key points may prove useful for the upcoming festive season:

  1. Endeavour to continually adhere to Covid-19 protocol:
  • Use facemask
  • Wash hands
  • Maintain 2metres physical distance in public places

2. Use of vitamins and minerals can boost your immune system and keep you healthy.

SECURITY TIPS

Additionally, the security situation in Nigeria has recently been compounded by various issues such as Ethno-religious conflicts, Proliferation of Arms, Kidnapping (for ransom), Terrorism and Insurgency, Armed Robbery, Cultism, Secessionist Groups, Fraud, etc.

As is said, there is no Sec_rity without “U”. Hence, Personal security is vital, neglect may be very traumatic. Some Recommendations are highlighted below:

  • Avoid making unguarded statements and altercations, especially involving ethnoreligious issues.
  • Keep a low profile and be conservative with information sharing (especially on social media) to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
  • Avoid predictable routines and late-night outings especially in identified ‘red zones.
  • Be informed about security arrangements in your community and endeavor to make adjustments where necessary.
  • It is advisable to maintain a cordial relationship with security personnel in your community. Also, engage them on recent trends and mitigation steps.
  • If you have loved ones in boarding schools, find out what additional security arrangements are in place to safeguard the Students, as well as Academic and Non-Academic Staff from wanton attacks.
Articles  ·  Publications
Health, Safety, Security and Enviroment Tips

STRESS MANAGEMENT

The process of stress management cannot be overemphasized as it is one of the keys to a happy and successful life. While stress is inevitable, it is our individual responsibility to manage it using the following techniques.

  1. Taking breaks for Breathing Exercises (like sequentially breathing in and out) could prove helpful when under.
  2. Intentionally engage in the pursuit of happiness – Identify things / persons that make you.
  3. Know who you are and don’t lose that.
  4. Identify potential stressors and develop personalized coping mechanisms, as challenges would always arise.
  5. Make an effort to understand your supervisors and colleagues, as this could provide better synergy in your teams and help you manage them.
  6. Eat healthily and exercise.
  7. Get sufficient hours (7 – 9hours) of sleep daily; this is very essential to reduce stress.
  8. Build your faith.
  9. Feel free to discuss issues with trusted friends and family or Medical Professionals, as this may also be very helpful.

INFORMATION SECURITY

While the world is focused on the pandemic threat posed by COVID-19, cybercriminals around the world try undoubtedly to capitalize on the crisis by launching different kinds of malicious attacks: mainly phishing mails or virus.              

  1. Never share sensitive information of any kind with an unauthorized party or social media.
  2. Lock all devices when not in use
  3. Choose strong passwords which contain special symbols (&,%, # etc.), Uppercase, minimum of 8 characters and are alphanumeric. Don’t reuse your passwords.
  4. Be mindful of external devices and removable media (USB keys, Hard drives, CDs). Regularly back up important files to your preferred cloud storage (One Drive, Google Drive, DropBox etc.).
  5. Update software in a timely manner when prompted.
  6. Whilst travelling, your company assigned laptop or mobile phone might be lost or stolen. It is important to report all such losses ASAP to reduce the risk to the company and your colleagues.
  7. Always use anti-virus software
  8. To safeguard your privacy and security, disable tracking features such as auto sign-in, auto-fill and options to save passwords and payment methods.
  9. Report any suspicious email / web links and never open attached document of any format (pdf, docx, jpg…) or click on any link included in suspicious mails.
  10. Always confirm any prompts or requests for online financial transactions with your bank before proceeding.