Knowing How To De-Stress At Work

At any given time in our life, stress can and will affect us. This can be at home, while we are abroad, or when we are at work. Dealing with stress or anxiety is easier when we are in a familiar environment such as our home. When you are caught outside, or at work, it is harder to deal with this, as well as having to perform your job role. While it isn’t always easy, there are certainly methods of dealing with work-place stress that will enable you to carry on with your job and which won’t see your performance suffer.

It is important to be able to differentiate between normal levels of stress that comes with the terrain of many jobs, and real mental health issues that cause stress along with other symptoms. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and ineffectiveness in the workplace (Workplace Strategies for Mental Health). If you are aware of the signs and symptoms of workplace burnout, then it is easier to effectively treat it. Burnout is very common, and affects people in any job role, but particularly people who work high-pressure jobs that often include overtime. Not being able to perform a job effectively has an immense effect on a person’s self-esteem. Feeling like you are doing a bad job, which may include negative comments based on your performance, can leave you feeling depressed and anxious as well as stressed. There are certainly ways to reduce workplace stress, and many of these techniques can be carried on to other areas of stress in your life.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider, is whether a licensed therapist can help you. A qualified mental health professional will be able to determine whether you need the additional help of therapy or counselling to help you deal with the stresses of your life. Of course, some stresses are industry specific. For example, worrying over a particular marketing campaign or sales strategy might have you up at night worrying. Well over the hours that you need to be switched on to work. Practical business advice can really help in these situations. For example, finding the right marketing strategy may include sending laminated postcards to impress your clients, and being vocal with your ideas. 

In terms of easily achievable techniques to manage stress, consider going on breaks outside, or having your lunch outdoors, or even fitting in a morning work-out which can prepare you for your day. Exercising regularly is proven to boost endorphins (which are the feel-good chemicals in your body) and help reduce stress. Do not give yourself unreasonable expectations, and if your employer or colleague has put additional pressure on you to perform, simply do your job to the best of your ability and be transparent with what can be achieved within the given time-frame. They will appreciate the good communication, and transparency on your part. 

Addressing underlying issues which may be affecting your work will help immensely. If you are an employer then consider implementing strategies to reduce workplace stress. Strategies such as ensuring there are clear expectations, optimal communication, and the support of employees who require flexible working hours or the option to work from home.

You might also like to read:

• How to prevent stress from ruining your career
• 10 Ways To Make Your Workplace More Fun
• Dealing with debt stress and overcoming debt by paying off debt
• These Tips will Help you to Manage Work-Related Stress
• What does the business of the future look like?