Dealing With Work Stress
Stress at the workplace is caused by emotional, mental and physical strains due to factors at work. These can include demanding bosses, a non-conducive work environment and conflicts with colleagues.
Work stress can also be triggered when you have inadequate or unsuitable skills for the job, or when your personal beliefs clash with the company culture. On top of that, job insecurity can make us feel powerless and vulnerable. Knowing we have little control over our jobs is the primary cause of workplace stress.
Workplace stress can manifest itself through different health problems physically, psychologically and socially. Common ailments include tension, headaches, high blood pressure, irritability, insomnia, depression, loss of appetite, indigestion, a weakened immunity and aching muscles. Cognitive changes include poor concentration and focus leading to poor work performance, bad memory and negative thoughts.
To manage stress, identify the factors that contribute to your work stress. If fighting with your colleagues is giving you problems, then resolve these conflicts. If you have inadequate skills for the job, learn the ropes from colleagues or request to be sent for training. And if you are always running out of time for tasks and deadlines, then learn to take quick breaks and know that no matter how hard you work, the tasks will never end.
Other ways to cope with stress include going for a holiday, taking time off for regular exercise or simply considering a change of job. However if your level of stress is reaching boiling point, seek professional help. If left untreated, anxiety and mood conditions may arise. Professional help includes counselling, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as slow deep breathing, and muscle relaxation.
For those seeking quicker results, here are some easy and cost-effective tips that you can use.
6 Easy tips to de-stress
- Keep a journal. It’s a quick and therapeutic release. Whenever you are upset or angry, vent your frustrations and communicate your emotions in your journal.
- Take a break. Head to the pantry and grab a hot drink. While you’re there, do not think about work issues and use the time to clear your mind instead.
- Brainstorm ideas with your colleagues on how to reduce job stress. It streamlines work processes and saves time for other tasks.
- Decorate your desk with visuals that help you relax. It could be a picture of your family, your pet, flowers or anything that is soothing and calming.
- Take a deep breath, hold and slowly release. Repeat several times.
- Take a day off. Stay at home and listen to some soothing music or catch up on some well-deserved sleep.
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Wow! I never knew stress could cause all that!!
As a wife mother and school teacher, it can be difficult juggling so many things at one time and stress definitely becomes a problem. But thank you for the tips. I will definitely give it a shot.
Love your posts!! Keep them coming.