ERGONOMIC STRATEGIES–STRESS MANAGEMENT

What can Stress do to my Body?

• Stress causes physical ailments such as headache, high blood pressure, insomnia, fatigue, or skin disorders as well as psychological problems such as depression, anger, anxiety, resentment, and cynicism.

• Stress can extend injury recovery time and interfere with pain management.

• Chronic neuromuscular tension in conjunction with stress can lead to improper postural positions that easily become habitual.

How can I Alleviate Stress?

• Perform static stretches at your workstation in order to decrease muscular tension and allow for a brief period of relaxation.
• After stretching, recline in your chair, close your eyes, and completely “let go” in order to allow for the natural reorganization of muscular tension, facilitating better posture.

• Meditation is a mind and body strategy used to alleviate stress that can decrease blood pressure and increase the ability to sleep for longer periods of time.

• Guided imagery is a healthy and effective method of coping with stress that involves imagining an image that is pleasing to the eye in order to decrease stress and anxiety and cause a sensation of peace and relaxation.
• Decreases blood pressure and heart and respiratory rate.
• Increases a sense of self-control and reduces irritability.

• Other methods of alleviating stress include:
• Deep breathing exercises
• Prayer and spirituality
• Aromatherapy
• Massage
• Therapeutic Touch
• Acupuncture

QUESTIONS?  Contact Rachel Neuman: raneuman@bu.edu or Karen Jacobs: kjacobs@bu.edu