The study was done in response to anecdotal reports from members of the association that job stress was increasing. And while the jobless rate remains low, the recent economic slowdown and stock market slump are giving many the jitters. Even the lunch hour itself is being blamed for workplace malaise. The information age is a major culprit, she said, because people feel trapped by the very technology that was supposed to set them free from much of their workload. Psychologically, that's a dangerous phenomenon because it means we're not in control and our jobs are running us.
Some people seek spiritual solace.
Chuck Ughetta goes to Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Vigorous exercise, of course, is a time- honored break from the office grind. Every day, untold thousands of workers troop off to the gym or the indoor swimming pool or just to a nearby park for a quick jog or fast walk. Since 1987, membership in gyms and health clubs has nearly doubled to roughly 33 million from just over 17 million, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. Window shopping is another standby.