Stressed at Work?

Working all day long sounds unhealthy, but the stress that comes with it may be even more dangerous than you originally thought. Stress at work can be a silent killer, according to new research, which indicates that it has a stronger connection to your health than previously acknowledged and should not be taken for granted by companies. A study released in the European Journal of Internal Medicine examined the relationship between long-term occupational stress and elevated blood pressure (BP) in working individuals.

Over a period of two years, the research team in the European Journal of Internal Medicine monitored the blood pressure and stress levels of a group of professionals aged 30-55 by utilizing a combination of medical examinations and surveys. The results of the study were revealing: compared to less stressed individuals, those who reported higher levels of stress connected to their jobs had a considerably higher risk of developing hypertension due to increased blood pressure.

Let's first understand what happens when your blood pressure increases. So, increased blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is too high. This can lead to damaged arteries over time and can cause serious complications such as a stroke or a heart attack.

Considering the risks of increased blood pressure or hypertension on your health, let's look further into some of the symptoms. Someone suffering from hypertension might experience severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, nosebleeds, blurred vision, and abnormal heart rhythm. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it would benefit you to seek medical help, articles like this one can only do so much for you.

According to Dr. Emily Chen, the study's main author, although occasional stress is a natural part of any job, prolonged stress can have a significant negative impact on cardiovascular health. When you are stressed at work, your body releases hormones like cortisol that can increase blood pressure levels over a period of time. The risk of hypertension further increases, meaning higher chances of cardiovascular diseases and stroke as well.

A question that is likely on your mind is “What do we do about it? How do we reduce our chances of work pressure before it affects our health? There are many natural remedies you could consider but in recent times, cannabinoid medication is becoming a promising alternative. The compounds found in cannabis are known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids work with the body's endocannabinoid system to regulate physiological functions like blood pressure and stress reactions. The potential of cannabinoids, such as CBD (cannabidiol), has emerged as a promising medicine to reduce anxiety, which is a common side effect of stress. By lowering stress and anxiety, cannabinoids have the ability to indirectly lower blood pressure associated with long-term stress.

Cannabis's ability to relax muscles can help lower stress levels and promote relaxation too. This physiological response brought on by cannabis-based medications can lower the chances of risking your blood pressure in the long run. Though cannabinoid medication can help you tackle some of the symptoms of work-related stress and hypertension, living an active and healthy lifestyle is essential to lowering your blood pressure levels. It helps you manage stress better and maintain a strong cardiovascular support system. A combination of regular exercise, mindfulness practices such as meditation, and natural remedies, like cannabinoid medication, can heighten your overall quality of life. When work gets on your nerves, consider it high time to look out for yourself and prioritise your health instead of stressing about meeting deadlines.

To combat work-related stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle, a combination of regular exercise, mindfulness practices such as meditation, and medical cannabis use can yield the best effects.