Medical doctors say that one way to prevent overwork is knowing how to handle work pressure.
"It's like a reservoir requiring a water discharge every now and then so it doesn't collapse," said Tang Hua-sheng (
Tang said there had been a 5 percent increase in neurosis patients at the center over the past five years.
Neurosis patients are those suffering from depression, insomnia, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and panic disorder.
"Different people deal with pressure differently. Those who are optimistic tend to handle pressure more easily, while those who are pessimistic are under pressure all the time," he said.
"Chronic disease patients particularly need to know how to take care of themselves when under pressure," he said.
Among the many ways to alleviate pressure, Tang said, is properly planning when and how tasks are to be accomplished.
"Many people seem to enjoy having a busy schedule to make people believe that they're either important or responsible," he said. "But busy schedules are very harmful to a person's health and mind."
Taking breaks is also important for office workers, Tang said. "Especially for those working with computers, it's best to take a break every hour," he said.
In addition, do not take your work home, Tang said, "because it's unfair to your family members who hope to spend time with you when you're at home."
"You, your work and your family should form a balanced triangle to ensure a healthy lifestyle," he continued
Exercise is also important, he said.
"Try to develop the habit of exercising everyday, especially aerobic exercises," he said. "Exercises are the natural anti-depressant. After working out for 30 minutes, you'll find yourself feeling happy and elevated because of the increase in endorphines in your brain," he said.
Finally, Tsang said it is important to find at least 30 minutes a day for oneself, perhaps even to meditate.
"Don't ever say that `you don't have time for this and don't have time for that.' A person can always find time for such simple things as a stretch, a meal or a walk if he or she wants to," he said.
RSS