The numbers are staggering according to The American Institute of Stress:

• 75-90 percent of visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems;

• 89 percent of adults describe experiencing “high levels of stress”;

• The National Safety Council estimates that one million employees are absent on an average workday because of stress related problems;

• A 1992 United Nations Report labeled job stress “The 20th Century Disease”;

• 78 percent of Americans describe their jobs as stressful;

• Job stress is estimated to cost American industry $200-300 billion annually, as assessed by absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover, accidents, direct medical, legal, and insurance fees. Put into perspective, that’s more than the price for all strikes combines, and the total net profits of the Fortune 500 companies;

• 60-80 percent of accidents on the job are stress related;

• 40 percent of worker turnover is due to job stress;

• There were 111,000 violent workplace incidents reported in 1992, resulting in 750 deaths and a cost to employers of $4.2 billion. Homicides accounted for almost 20 percent of the more than six thousand workplace deaths. It was the leading cause of death for working women. Violent crime and mass murders in the workplace almost always stem from job stress.

The Institute says that some stresses are good, resulting in increased productivity. Nevertheless, bad stress can be exhibited in bad ways and attach itself to our physical being like some unrelenting parasite. It can play a role in heart disease, hypertension, depression, anxiety, smoking, obesity, alcoholism, cancer, arthritis, skin infections, and a multitude of other disorders. A recent report even suggests that stress may be a culprit for the sniffles.

If these facts about stress are causing you even more stress, there are things you can do. No, we’re not suggesting you resort to little white pills. It’s much simpler … and healthier than that.

Shirley Arnold, an owner of Massa Therapeutics in Harrisburg, says that body, mind, and spirit can be treated through yoga and meditation, both of which incorporate breath and imaging to calm our thoughts and improve focus. “Breathing is a big part of alleviating stress,” she adds. “There’s also deep tissue therapy where a therapist does the range of motion for you and tells you to breathe.”

Shiatsu is yet another way where you would press on a series of body points while taking breaths. “We can develop the treatments and you can do them at home or at work,” explains Arnold.

Ted Woods of Woody’s Workout Club suggests that relieving stress may be a step or a sweat gland away. “If you’re really uptight, take a walk,” he says. “Walk, stop, and take a deep breath, smell the roses and then continue walking. Do this for 20-30 minutes.”

Woods also recommends aerobics, steppers, or treadmills to alleviate that anxiety. Jogging or lifting free weights are other good methods. “Get into the habit of working out. Find a particular time and do it at least three times a week.”

But if you find it tough to get out and about, Woods offers another solution. “Read something that has nothing to do with your problem.”