Stress Is A Common Problem Among People In The UK, But This Does Not Mean Its Potential Seriousness Should Be Overlooked

Stress can be a debilitating condition. While many people accept a certain level of anxiety as a normal part of life, too much stress can lead to a range of ill-effects. Indeed, when individuals find themselves under excessive strain for prolonged periods of time, they can experience serious physical and psychological problems.

To help them manage their stress levels, some consumers are turning to special adjustable beds with massage therapy features. These products can enable people to unwind more effectively, and it is now easy for individuals to purchase the items over the web.

For example, people can invest in Adjustamatic Beds. These items can help users to relax and they can also enable individuals to get more sleep.

Workers under pressure

A recent BBC article drew attention to the problem of stress in Britain. It noted that stress, anxiety and depression were the main causes of absence from work in 2012. Meanwhile, providing high-profile recent examples, it pointed out that former Financial Services Authority boss Hector Sants had to leave his compliance role at Barclays Bank due to stress and exhaustion.

In addition, England cricketer Jonathan Trott left the Ashes tour of Australia because of a long-running stress condition.

The article went on to suggest that a growing area of concern is latent tuberculosis (TB). This condition lies dormant in people, but it can become active when immune systems are weak. According to the World Health Organisation, around a third of the world’s population has latent TB, and approximately ten per cent of these individuals go on to develop the infectious, active form of the disease. When stressed, people’s immune systems are less effective, so they are at greater risk of succumbing to the condition.

While active TB is still relatively rare in the UK, there are other issues for stressed out Brits to watch out for. For example, weakened immune systems caused by stress can put people at greater risk of contracting other medical complaints, such as colds and flu.

Taking action

Thankfully, there are things people can do to help reduce the stress they face. For example, the NHS recommends exercise. Although physical activity does not make stress disappear, it can help individuals to clear their thoughts and to deal with their problems more calmly.

It also states that by reaching out to a good support network of colleagues, friends and family, people can ease their troubles. On this topic, professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster, said: “If you don’t connect with people, you won’t have support to turn to when you need help. Talking things through with a friend will also help you find solutions to your problems.

The expert also recommended setting aside a couple of nights a week away from work. He commented: “By earmarking those two days, it means you won’t be tempted to work overtime on those days.”

On a more practical level, investing in adjustable beds with massage therapy features may help people to decrease their feelings of stress and to get enough rest and sleep.