We all get stressed out and handle stress in different ways. As a court reporter, there are multiple stressors that must be handled on a daily basis. Dealing with long days – often sitting in the same position for hours, different personalities and moods from clients, multitasking, and then going home, dealing with the stressors of home, plus juggling multiple deadlines is often a day in the life of a court reporter. A study from Ohio State University found that dealing with constant, long-term stress can actually change your gene activity. These changes cause cells to fight an infection that doesn’t really exist, leading to an increase of inflammation that is linked to a variety of health problems. Stress is inevitable, but there are countless ways to handle it.
Take a break: No matter how busy you are, sometimes you just have to take a breather. Step away from the problem, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You’ll come back feeling refreshed.
Exercise: Like most issues in life, exercise can help. Find an activity you love to do – ride a bike, take a yoga class, or jog with your dog.
Trust your rituals: Find time for your favorite soothing routine. Taking a long hot bath once a week, listening to your favorite album on the way to work, or treating yourself to a manicure every few weeks; turning to a loved soothing ritual will help combat stress.
Welcome some humor: Keep yourself from drowning in your own sorrows. Although your stressor may seem like the end of the world in the moment, laughing through the stress will help you cope. Laughter lowers levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and epinephrine, which are all stress-aggravating hormones.
Eat well: Healthy eating is one of those things (like exercising) that just benefits your overall lifestyle. During stressful times, some of us turn to food as a comfort mechanism, and others don’t eat at all. Both will only make you feel worse. Choosing to eat healthy keeps you focused and makes you feel better all around.
Get out of your own head: Read a book, listen to some music, or take up knitting. Keep your mind busy with an activity that does not relate to your stress inducer.
Find a friend: Venting to a close friend or colleague who understands your situation can help put you at ease. Just make sure you’re there for them when they’re going through a rough time.
Stress is a part of life and it can help us grow and learn, however too much stress can cause significant problems to our bodies and minds. Stress causes our bodies to prepare for action, and if we don’t take action, the stress response can create many health problems. Be aware of your own stressors and find a way to work through the issues in a healthy manner.
If you’d like to work for a court reporting agency that understands the stressors associated with the job, join our team here.
