Interesting Stress Fact -

Find out why 'a job-to-die-for' is not just a figurative of speech for the Japanese.

I'm sure you have heard a lot of stress fact, and are sure that you are experiencing stress for a large part of your daily life.

Whenever you are in a situation that you feel is dangerous or threatening to your well-being, you KNOW that you are under stress. You often hear yourself saying 'I'm so stressed over this and that!' and have also heard your family or friends complaining of the same. But did you know the severity of, or the implications of stress in our life and society in general? The BBC news reported this stress fact "Japan's health ministry has announced that there were 143 cases of karoshi (sudden death from overwork) last year, the highest level since it took notice of the problem in 1987."

Look at what the media and other sources have to say about stress facts and statistics:

“It might not be visible, but chronic emotional burdens can make your cells age prematurely. ….people under chronic stress tend to have weak immune systems and run an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease…” Time Magazine December 13, 2004

“The chronic stress that millions of people feel from simply trying to deal with the pressures of modern life can unleash a flood of hormones that are useful in the short term but subtly toxic if they persist…stress-reduction strategies that take pressure off the mind--meditation, yoga, relaxation exercises and such--can take the heat off the body as well…” Time Magazine January 20, 2003

“In the past 30 years (1953-1983), doctors and health officials have come to realize how heavy a toll stress is taking on the nation's well-being…Leaders of industry have become alarmed by the huge cost of such symptoms in absenteeism, company medical expenses and lost productivity...” Time Magazine June 6, 1983

“The "stress-blind" personality cannot recognize his own stress limits.…To compensate for his anxiety, the stress-blind personality over-eats, smokes and drinks too much, commits himself so heavily that he has no time for exercise.” Time Magazine June 29, 1959

“Hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) is the No. 1 killer among diseases in the U.S. …supported by ten years of research: emotional stress is the main cause of arteriosclerosis…” Time Magazine April 16, 1956

“Anxiety is not a disease—but it is just as catching and as hard to cure…" Time Magazine November 28, 1949“…the American Psychiatric Association congregated in St. Louis to consider the [stress of mankind]…this has increased so rapidly during late years that more than half the nation's hospital capacity is devoted to [its] care…" Time Magazine May 18, 1936

Workplace stress fact

Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found the following stress facts and statistics:

Stress is linked to physical and mental health, as well as decreased willingness to take on new and creative endeavors.

Job burnout experienced by 25% to 40% of U.S. workers is blamed on stress.

More than ever before, employee stress is being recognized as a major drain on corporate productivity and competitiveness.

Depression, only one type of stress reaction, is predicted to be the leading occupational disease of the 21st century, responsible for more days lost than any other single factor.

$300 billion, or $7,500 per employee, is spent annually in the U.S. on stress-related compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health insurance costs, direct medical expenses (nearly 50% higher for workers who report stress), and employee turnover.

Learn to manage stress before it manages you!

Stress if not managed, can lead to serious problems in the form of physical illness, such as heart disease and mental illness, such as anxiety. Learn how to manage stress, and you can be assured of a happy, long and productive life ahead.