For most of us, managing stress is a daily obstacle we must overcome. We all know; stress has a negative impact on our lives. Stress affects our physical and mental health which can have negative ramifications in our personal, social and professional lives. Managing stress in the workplace is critical to your success within your organization. In these difficult economic times, work-related stress is even more difficult to cope with.
While some stress is a normal part of the workplace, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity. Finding ways to manage workplace stress is not about making huge changes to every aspect of your life or rethinking your entire career. Stress management requires emphasis on the one thing that’s constantly within your power: you.
When your own needs are taken care of, you’re stronger and more resistant to stress. The better you feel, the better equipped you’ll be to manage work stress without becoming overwhelmed.
- Get moving – exercising not only increases energy but helps you stay more focused and relaxed.
- Make food choices that keep you going – low blood sugar can make you irritable, while eating too much can make you tired. Eating small but frequent meals throughout the day helps you maintain even levels of blood sugar and avoid those nasty mood swings.
- Get enough sleep – lack of sleep magnifies the stress. When you get enough sleep you are more emotionally balanced to deal with the daily stress of your job.
When stress threatens to turn your day upside down, take control and learn to manage you’re time.
- Create a balanced schedule – easier said than done for most of us but try to find a balance between work and family life. Remember to leave time in your schedule for some “down time”.
- Don’t over-commit yourself – when you over commit yourself, the pressure of meeting deadlines and commitments create stress.
- Plan regular breaks – take short breaks throughout your day even for a quick walk or find a quiet spot to clear your mind. Also try to get away from your desk or work station for lunch. Stepping away from work to briefly relax and recharge will help you be more, not less, productive.
- Prioritize tasks – that task that you have been putting off? Get it done early and the rest of your day will be more pleasant!
- Be willing to compromise – learn to compromise with your co-workers. If you can find middle ground with that difficult co-worker, stress levels will be reduced for both of you.
- Break those bad habits – flip those negative attitudes and don’t try to control the uncontrollable. It only adds to a negative environment and stress.
We will never have a stress free life but if we can learn to recognize excessive stress, we can improve our quality of life. Not only will your physical and mental health improve, but your family life and job performance will benefit. Who knows, it might even be contagious. Most of us spend more hours with our co-workers than anyone else; we might as well enjoy it.
Karen D.
Customer Account Manager
