I believe everything in life is interconnected! If things go well at work it will seep into your home life and vice versa.
The only problem… This is also true when things aren’t going well. Stress can manifest in your body in many different ways.
Stress reactions can be anything from minor annoyances to heart attacks and on-the-job stress is a major cause of many mental and physical issues. Are you suffering the consequences of workplace stress?
Consider these questions:
· Do you find yourself feeling annoyed with your supervisor or co-workers?
· Have you been looking for excuses to be late to work or to stay home occasionally?
· Do you get a stomach ache or headache within an hour after getting to work?
· Are you having trouble focusing on a work project because your emotions are wrought up over a work incident?
If you answered “Yes” to any one of these questions, it may be attributed to job-related stress. The good news is: if you’re proactive about managing your work stress level, you’ll feel less wound up and enjoy more success at work.
Try these strategies to deal with job stress:
1- Remind yourself, “it’s just work.”
There will be times you’ll have a difference of opinion with your boss or co-workers. Consider it creative disagreement and move on. There’s no need to hold grudges or fixate on those experiences as things that define your relationship.
2- Learn to recognize the things you control at the office.
But more importantly, let go of the things you can’t control. Your work life will become much lighter and brighter when you acknowledge this. Instead of focusing on the things you can control, like your strategy to get to the next milestone in your career.
3- Work through “resolvable” issues immediately.
Rather than let issues fester and grow, if it’s within your power to negotiate a resolution, do it as soon as you can. Save yourself the time of overthinking and make it a habit to only focus on what is moving your forward.
4- When you feel overwhelmed, ask for assistance or guidance.
Everyone occasionally experiences work struggles. In nearly every situation, it’s appropriate to ask for help at work. Be sure to ask earlier than later. Those who wait tend to create bigger problems that take longer to fix.
5. Establish your work priorities; then methodically work to complete your projects.
List your tasks in order of priority. Start at the top of the list and work down, crossing off tasks as you go. When someone brings you a new task, ask the priority level and be honest about your capacity to meet their deadline. If you aren’t able to complete their task for them, offer to suggest someone who can.
6- Silently review all the reasons you do the work you do.
Re-connect emotionally with all the positives you love about work. These realities about your career are far more important than the things that stress you out. Keep a list of accomplishments near by. Revisit them anytime you are doubtful.
7- Vow to avoid drama at work.
Refrain from allowing yourself to generate too many feelings about work. After all, it’s business. It’s best to use tact, neutrality, and diplomacy when dealing with co-workers. Your chances of experiencing work stress will be vastly reduced.
If you get cornered with gossip or controversial conversations, clearly express that you rather not have this conversation or excuse yourself to the restroom. You have no obligation to participate in conversations that aren’t work centered.
8- Take a brisk 15-minute walk when you get home.
There’s nothing like a walk to clear out the stress from your workday. Tell yourself that by the time you get back home, you’ll be thinking about what you’ll have for dinner. Walking after work is a great habit to develop for so many reasons.
You can also consider podcasts or audio meditations, any productive topic that is able to consume your thought process and put you in a positive mindset.
9- Use visual imagery techniques to let go of minor annoyances and frustrations.
Imagine your stress is a big red ball. You throw it into the ocean and watch it bob away on the waves. Say “good-bye” as the ball is completely submerged far in the distance.
You can also use your surroundings; as you look into traffic, imagine your stress is a specific car. Watch as that car drives farther and farther away.
10- Soothe yourself after you arrive home.
Snuggle up in your blanket on the sofa and read your novel for a bit. Call your brother or a friend to chat. When you soothe yourself, you’re showing you know how to take care of your own troublesome feelings.
Online word games like New York Times Wordle are great ways to soothe yourself as well.
11- Journal your feelings about work.
When you write down your irritations and sources of stress, you can psychologically release the negative feelings you experience.
Using the notes app on your phone or a pad and pen, either option works
12- Practice yoga or meditation to de-stress.
The eastern philosophies of yoga and meditation soothe the souls of millions of people the world over. You’ll be surprised at how effective these methods are at eliminating your stress and keeping you more centered and relaxed.
Work stress is an unfortunate result of the human condition. Everyone deals with it from time to time. Practice these methods to remain optimistic and keep your work stress at manageable levels. You’ll re-discover the passion you have for your career!
What other ways are you working to stay stress-free at work? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
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