Stress is common, yet it is seldom given the recognition that it deserves. Research has proven that 70 per cent of stress injury claims were directly caused by workplace relations. Often people do not even realise that they are stressed, as the signs vary amongst individuals and can be difficult to determine. 

Are you out of emotional balance? If you are experiencing a period of change in your life, or feeling under pressure, listen to your body to determine if there are any irregularities that you have noticed.

Even if you acknowledge that you are stressed, you cannot mentally block it out. Your body is clever and it turns stress from an emotional reaction to a physical problem. To individuals, stress can be seen as a heightened state of emotion while, to doctors, it can be any combination of anxiety, mood changes and low energy levels. Therefore, it is important to seek a professional diagnosis and avoid the temptation to self-diagnose.

There are some key symptoms and behaviours that suggest you are out of emotional balance and may need to take treatment-focused steps.

Sleep problems are a clear sign of stress and chronic sleep deprivation is a serious health issue. Early morning wakening can be linked to depression, while the inability to fall asleep, is often linked to anxiety.

Stress and anxiety can also lead to changes in behaviour such as a loss of libido and greater reliance on alcohol or recreational drugs to lift moods and relax. In addition, an increase of risky behavior, including gambling, binge drinking and sexual promiscuity are signs of amplified stress levels. High levels of stress can deplete the immune system which increases the frequency of colds and flus, particularly during the colder months.

The first and most important step is to exclude high blood pressure. It is a common misconception that anxiety and stress can cause high blood pressure when the truth is, that high blood pressure (which is usually hereditary) can cause feelings of stress. If untreated, high blood pressure significantly increases risk of strokes and heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes is another ailment which may go undetected with symptoms that appear similar to stress, causing mood changes, irritability and tiredness.

While stress can be crippling, there are some simple measures that can be introduced to your daily routine to help to improve your sense of inner balance and cope with emotional stress. An increase in aerobic exercise (a minimum of 20 minutes of sustained exercise such as walking, biking or swimming) is the most potent and effective stress reliever. It provides the added benefits of lowering blood pressure, weight, glucose and cholesterol levels, as well as boosting natural endorphins. Activities such as meditation or yoga can relieve inner tensions, while also building overall strength, both mentally and physically.

Through improved sleep hygiene, the potential for a restful night significantly improves. Alcohol and recreational drug intake affects the quality of your sleep and may impact upon your emotional state.

Pressures from family, work and finances have the tendency to cause stress for us all. However it is the way in which you respond to stress that is important. The most critical step is to listen to your body and recognise that stress is a normal human reaction to life’s challenges and it is ok to ask for help. The best place to start is your local GP.

With medical knowledge spanning more than 30 years, Dr Michael Olenski specialises in preventative medicine and early disease diagnosis at Iris Medical. He has practiced as a general practitioner since 1984, taking on a preventative approach to medicine over the past 10 years. In addition to working in a medical practice, Dr Olenski has also previously hosted a national medical talkback program on Triple M in 1993, winning an award from the AIDS Council of Victoria for his interview with an AIDS patient. He is also currently the backstage doctor for international performing artists at Melbourne’s top venues including the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Stadium, Etihad Stadium, Palais Theatre and Festival Hall.

This story originally appeared in the Dec 2012/Jan 2013 edition of Australian Business Solutions magazine.

Overworked corporate men don’t look after themselves as they should. Jonathan Jackson spoke with Dr Michael Olenski to find out what men should be doing to maintain their health.

It would seem that health takes a back seat to business. It’s not something that any man should be proud of; if anything, health should come before corporate takeovers, boardroom meetings and profit margins. Healthy life, healthy business, isn’t that how it goes? So the question is, if senior executives are responsible for the health of the companies they work in and every part of the organisation undergoes stringent analysis, checks and evaluation to ensure that it is working at its optimum performance level, why are men not paying the same attention to your health?

Dr Michael Olenski has dedicated his practice to helping men understand the importance of regular health checks.

As I type this article, attempting to balance my laptop on my knees while waiting for my next client, my mind wanders to one of those times in my life when I was happiest. I remember feeling that I had everything I needed and valued in my life. Could this be that often-elusive element, ‘balance’ that I recall?

Yoga as a practice serves to unite the mind, body and spirit leaving you feeling fitter, more energetic, balanced and peaceful.

Are you stressed out?

Stress is the second most common cause of workplace compensation claims in Australia, after manual handling*. Do you crave more harmony in your daily life? Despite what you may think, your body knows if you are stressed, even though you may not realise it.

No matter who you are, at times, as a small business owner, you will get stressed.

It's how you deal with it that counts.

Which has me thinking. I am what I affectionately call a "stress pet". Someone, who stresses a lot. If not daily, bi-daily. I find things to stress about that sometimes deserve my attention, and then others that certainly don't.

Opportunities don't come past your desk everyday. Sometimes you have to work so hard to find an opportunity that when one lands on your lap, you don't really know what to do with it or you forget what it actually looks like.

There are so many things we all can relate "Make hay while the sun shines" to. Here are some that I think you should consider;

If someone offers you a chance to hang out on their farm for the weekend - do it!