Do you ever feel like you want to rip out your hair when you’re at work? Do you ever feel like you can’t quite go on with your duties anymore? Have you ever said to yourself, “Oh, I’m being stressed too much at this job?” If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this post is for you; if you didn’t, then find out how not to let your stress levels get to these points.
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What Is Stress?
It’s simple. Stress is just a normal, basic human psychological and physical reaction to the increasing demands of life. You see, stress is actually a process, it is not, in itself, a diagnosis of disease.
We experience stress when there is an imbalance between the demands being made on us and our ability or resources to cope with those demands. Many of life’s demands can cause stress, particularly work, relationships, and money problems.
Stress is not always a bad thing; people just react to it differently. Some people thrive on stress and even need it as a motivating factor to get things done. For some, that which is stressful for them is only a slight distraction to another.
However, when the term “stress” is used in clinical talk, it refers to a situation that causes discomfort and distress for a person and can lead to other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. When stress gets to this point, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Stress in the Workplace
Stress in the workplace is very common and even more so these days. It is often caused by different factors, including difficult tasks, excessive hours, conflicts with others, and feelings of isolation and subjugation. In most workplaces, some degree of stress is normal; however, it is when it gets excessive that it becomes a problem.
It is important to know that you can’t control everything in your workplace, but this doesn’t mean you’re powerless to stressful situations. Your ability to deal with them is what is key. You don’t have to change your job or change your career path, just alter your reaction to stressors.
Coping with Workplace Stress
Managing stress in your office can be summarized into one word: “prevention,” and it all begins with your mind. First, decide that no matter what happens, you won’t let it impact you negatively. It will help a great deal if you try out the following tips:
- Before work, there was you. So take good care of yourself first: exercise regularly, eat healthfully, sleep well. These actions sound easy, but you’ll be surprised at how impactful they are on your disposition and mood.
- Recognize warning signs of excessive stress at work. For some, when they are overwhelmed at work, they get irritable, anxious, they get headaches, develop insomnia, some turn to drugs and alcohol, and some even lose their sex drive!Whatever the case may be, just recognize how your body responds to stress so you can nip it in the bud immediately by trying relaxation techniques. Examples of such techniques include deep breathing, prayer, and even counting numbers. Whatever you do, just don’t ignore the warning signs of work stress, as they can lead to bigger problems.
- Prioritise and organize! Learn to your organize your day/schedule: get to work early so that you have time to ease in to work and delegate tasks as appropriate to your co-workers or subordinates. Don’t overcommit yourself to duties just because you want to be seen as a good employee; it is better for you to deliver well on duties you can handle. Take regular breaks from your duties – even if it’s 5 minutes every hour to just relax and clear your mind.
- Avoid situations that make you feel stressed, such as unnecessary arguments and conflict. By all means, do not ignore problems that need to be solved. Learn to be assertive but avoid descending in to conflict. Learn better communication skills to improve your relationships with management and coworkers.
- Talk with someone. Find somebody who you can discuss your feelings with. This person may not necessarily have the solutions, but having a listening ear can help you ease off the tension and stress you feel.
Stress at the workplace is inevitable as there are so many factors beyond your control, but with a balanced lifestyle and proper coping strategies, you can manage it well. Don’t let stress get in the way of your greatness.
Stay healthy, folks!
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