Safety issues are more involved than we give them credit for. Stress is unavoidable in life (140,000 web sites can't be wrong). It is important to find ways to decrease or prevent stressful events from affecting your performance and your health. A person who is still stressed by a recent event in their lives is less likely to perform at 100% in a new situation that requires their full attention. Accidents may ìhappenî but some can be prevented with some simple coping exercises you can use to reduce stress.
Relaxation exercises may not eliminate stressful circumstances, but they can eliminate stress. Even when stress is eliminated between stressful events, the physical effects build and can lead to exhaustion and keep you from totally relaxing. Some people under a lot of stress use techniques that are tried and true: breathe, focus your attention on breathing deeply and slowly; get up and walk around the office for a few minutes, remove yourself from the scene of the stressful accident; take a minute to visualize a calmer time or experience; writing or talking about a stressful event can relieve stress; and avoid some behaviors and lifestyle choices that affect your stress level. Balance personal, work, and family needs and obligations by prioritizing your time. Exercise during the week; walking is recommended by nearly everyone who addresses stress reduction. Don't increase harmful activities such as increased alcohol, smoking or eating to relieve stress. Making bad habits a substitute for stress can actually block the bodies attempt to relieve the stress and eating more creates a problem you may end up stressing over, gaining weight.
The experts agree, manage your time, manage your commitments, get enough sleep, and get moderate exercise. Social support is more and more evident as a major factor in coping with stress. Positive support from family, fellow workers and friends has a strong relationship with better mental and physical health. Or you could just get a massage. Feeling better?
Ronal Coleman, EA
Miller, Allen & Co., P.C.
Ronal Coleman is a member of the ASCPA Safety Committee.
As part of its agreement with the SCF of Arizona, the association's workers compensation insurance group, the Arizona Society of CPAs has formed a Safety Committee. The Safety Committee consists of representatives from ASCPA member companies or organizations participating in the SCF of Arizona insurance program. The committee's goals are to examine ways the association can communicate and promote a safe work environment to all of our members and their companies and organizations.
If you have ideas on safety topics or you would like to join the Safety Committee please contact José M. Herrera, Director of Member Services, at (602) 252-4144, ext. 205 or at jherrera@ascpa.com.
If you are interested in obtaining safety brochures, envelope stuffers, or posters, these are available at no cost. Many can be found on the SCF of Arizona Web site and simply click on Workplace Safety and Health. Safety videotapes also are available on a loan basis and can be checked out from the SCF of Arizona. Please contact Jan Bernal at jbernal@scfaz.com or at 602-631-2002. The ASCPA will continually look for various "safety" materials and information for its members to use.
