How to handle workplace stress effectively?

You may be loving your job or very satisfied with what you are doing, but at some point or the other you tend to lose patience or feel the work related stress is ruining your internal peace. These stresses can be for a shorter period of time or a longer period of time, but if the stress level is overwhelming, it can affect the mental and physical state or health of the individual.  

Stress is a major side effect of the corporate lifestyle. Rising expectations, increasing competition, and privatization of jobs have made workplace like everyday battle field with echoing Darwin’s Theory of “Survival Of The Fittest”. Besides all these, the pathetic economic condition has worsened the situation, people work so hard but what they earn is inadequate to make both ends meet. Though some sort of work stress is justified because it increases efficiency and productivity, the overwhelming work stress harms both the physical and mental wellbeing.

Need To Learn Stress Management

Effective management of stress is a key requisite in today’s environment. You need to take care of your physical and emotional health to work for optimum results. Generally, people get so busy in their work that they neglect their personal fitness. It is important to listen to yourself to keep yourself fit. 

You need to make one thing clear to yourself i.e, you will not be provided with extra hours in the day, neither are your commitments going to stop nor are the problems going to end. But amongst all these challenges and stresses, the prime agenda of stress management is to lead life with atmost peace of mind, happiness and satisfaction. 

Read our blog – Best Ways To Relax yourself at Work

Some tips to manage the stress :

• Identify the sources of stress – Stress management will start with identifying the sources for your stress. This is not as straightforward as it sounds. While it is very easy to identify the stressors like moving, changing jobs, or also going through a divorce, pinpointing the persistent stress might be much complicated. It is also easy to overlook your own thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that contribute to your everyday stress levels.

• Connect to others – There is nothing more than a claim and spending quality time with other human beings who will make you feel safe and understand you very much better. So make it a point to connect regularly with family and friends. Keep in mind that the people whom you talk to do not be able to fix your stress, they just need to be good listeners. Try to not let the worries about looking weak or burden which you keep from opening up. The people who care about you will be flattered by your trust and it will strengthen your bond.

• Practice the 4 A’s of stress management – While stress is an automatic thing from your nervous system, some of the stressors will arise at expected times such as your commute work, meeting with the boss, family gatherings, etc. When handling such expected stressors you should either change the situation or change your reaction. While deciding which option to choose in any scenario, it is very helpful to think of the four A’s which are:

• Avoid unnecessary stress
• Alter the situations
• Adopt the stressor
• Accept the things you cannot change

General Reasons of Stress Hype in Organizations

Unaccountable Workplace stress is seen because of many reasons, such as – 

• Excessive demand to rise up to the soaring expectations of the top officials is the major factor contributing to this.
• Low salaries
• Fewer opportunities
• Conflicts between colleges or employers
• Overtime because of shorter staff
• Pressure to work with best potentials continuously
• Lack of social support
• Unsatisfied designation etc….

Preliminary symptoms of stress

Don’t ignore or underestimate the prior symptoms of unhealthy stress. These are the following:

• Feeling of Anxiousness
• Lack of interest or vigor to do assigned tasks
• Improper sleep
• Stomach problems, headaches etc.
• Disinterest towards social gatherings, etc.
• Avoiding people
• Loneliness
• Losing control on your emotions
• Frequent infections
• Forgetfulness
• Loss of sexual desire
• Headache etc….

Take Care of Yourself to get par to Overpower Stress

Too much stress, interferes with your health, your family and social circle. So before it incloses you completely, it’s better to act proactively to restrain its effects. Here are some tips that must be implemented to reduce stress effects:

• Regular Workouts

Physical exercise is a powerful tool to fight against stress. Aerobic exercise relieves a lot of stress, sharpens your focus, increases your heart rate, and soothes your body and mind.

• Be clear about your priorities

With competing deadlines and changing priorities, make a list of your priorities based on their importance. Make a to-do list every single day which makes it easy for you to reach your personal  as well as professional goals. 

• Proper Attention To Diet

A Good diet is a natural way to make body and mind stress free. Too much caffeinated diet, junk food etc are unhealthy as well as give ground to stress.

• Give Your Body Enough Rest

Sleep is too important to maintain healthy body clock. Give your body enough rest to have better productivity and concentration.

• Spend time with your loved ones

Spending time with your loved ones works as a magic bullet in the reduction of stress levels in the body. This means that regardless of the stress factors our social interactions makes our life much better. 

Read our blog – Create a Balance between Work Life and Personal Life

• Listen to music when you are free

Music is one of the best stress busters of all times. Listen to your favourite song and allow your stress to vanish in the air. This creates peace in your mind and makes you less stressed by the time you reach home. 

Read our blog – How To Become A Highly Successful Business Professional

Stress is normal but do not let stress overpower your mental as well as physical health. These take care tips can help you to manage stress eventually. If you are stressed or you observe that your family member, relative or friend is suffering from stress issues, talk to them about it. Listen to them when they speak and try to provide emotional support. If your stress level is above your control i.e, incases of suicidal thoughts or attempts, addiction for drugs or alcohol etc should not be neglected. Visit a doctor such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist  as soon as possible.