How to Decrease Work-Related Stress
20% of Americans say they’ve been experiencing levels of extreme stress, while 30% agree that their levels of stress have increased over the past year.
For many of us, work is a major source of stress. Even when you love what you do, you may experience work-related stress, anxiety, and pressure.
If this stress isn’t managed well, it can be harmful to both your emotional and physical health. Read on to learn some ways you can decrease stress in the workplace, increase business productivity, and leave work at work.
When Stress Follows You Home
While it would be nice if work-related stress stayed in the office, this often isn’t the case. Stressful work environments can lead to difficulty sleeping, problems with concentration, mood swings, stomachaches, headaches, and more. It can also contribute to heart disease, obesity, and depression.
Stress is normal, but when it’s not dealt with correctly, it can be easy to turn to cigarettes, unhealthy food choices, alcohol, and more.
Here are some ways you can decrease your workplace stress:
Understand Your Stresses
When you’re stressed out, it can feel like your whole day at work is stressful. That’s why it’s a good idea to identify your stressors- the things that make you the most anxious.
Keep a journal and identify which situations are creating the most stress. Record your feelings, thoughts, the people involved, and the environment.
Next to each stressor, write down how you reacted to that stress. This will help you find patterns so you can avoid drama and the things that are stressing you out the most.
Change Your Response
One of the most empowering realizations when you’re stressed out? You may not be able to control a situation, but you can control how you respond/react to it. Instead of using alcohol or fast food, try to get active.
Promise yourself you can have a cookie as long as you take a walk or hit the gym first.
Instead of heading outside for a cigarette, try vaping instead.
Create Boundaries
We live in a world where everyone is continually connected. It’s easy to feel like you need to be available to your coworkers, clients, and superiors 24 hours a day. Here’s the thing: It’s up to you to establish firm boundaries so you can enjoy work-life balance.
Commit to not checking your email after a certain time in the evening. Turn your phone off or on silent so you can enjoy dinner with your family. Tell your boss you’ll be away from your email and phone while you’re on vacation.
It’s important to have time to recharge away from work so can avoid burnout and do a better job when you’re actually working.
How do you Deal with Work-Related Stress?
Work-related stress doesn’t have to take over your life. By understanding your stressors, responding effectively, and creating boundaries, you can reduce your stress and enjoy better work-life balance.
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