Work Stress

Work Stress


Getting stressed out at work is a problem for many of us. But a new study shows we might want to take cues from our older colleagues if we want to alleviate some of that tension.

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that older workers report lower levels of job-related stress than their younger counterparts.

The study focused on the different job stressors reported by workers between the ages of fifty-three and eighty-five. The analysis also looked at how those stress factors affected other areas of the participants’ lives, including life satisfaction and physical health.

What researchers found surprised them. Just nineteen percent of older workers said they had poor job security. Only fifteen percent said their work often or almost all the time interfered with their personal lives, and two percent said their personal lives interfered with work.

The study also indicated those who experience less job stress are more satisfied with their lives and are in better physical health compared to those who report a higher level of job-related stress.

What can you do to reduce anxiety at work? Experts have several recommendations. First, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Cutting back on rest can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness. Secondly, stay physically active. Exercise goes a long way toward reducing strain and boosting energy.

Finally, stay organized. The more you can manage your time effectively, the less time you’ll waste… and the less anxious you’ll feel.

Related Episodes