Work is one of the most stress-inducing areas of most people’s lives. Yet, it can sometimes help us to accomplish tasks in a timely manner and even help us to formulate creative solutions to the challenges we all face at work and at home. The problem is that too much stress can hamper one’s ability to perform one’s job and of course damage our health as well as our relationships. Thus, since work is a necessity for most of us it is a good idea to know how to handle workplace stress for a healthier, longer and more productive life. Here are a few tips for preventing stress at work.
- Know what is creating your stress: Psychologists recommend that you keep track of your stressors while you are at work. Stressors are those things – and people – that cause you to feel stress. As you identify your stressors, also make note of how you react to them. Did you raise your voice? Did you go for a walk? Did you confront the source of your stress? Doing this can help you find patterns to your stress and hopefully help you deal with future incidences.
- Manage your expectations of others: Whether they are vendors, subordinates, or committee members, make sure that the people around you understand exactly what you expect of them. Not doing so can lead to misunderstandings and ultimately to stress-inducing encounters that might otherwise have been avoided.
- Take time to recharge: Relax, unwind and get away from the stressful situation when you can. You can do so by taking a walk to relieve the tension that is building up inside you. You may also consider taking advantage of vacation time when you are overwhelmed by workplace stress. Often, people come back to such situations relaxed and with a new sense of purpose.
- Learn how to relax: When you cannot completely remove yourself from your stressor, consider using deep breathing techniques, meditation and mindfulness to help melt away the stress. Meditation, in particular, is a skill that can aid you physically and mentally and help you gain greater focus and clarity.
- Get some support: Know that there are people who can help you manage your stress. Chances are your workplace will have an employee assistance program (EAP) in place that can point you in the right direction. Or you can turn to trusted friends and family members.
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