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Research has shown that the number of people suffering from workplace stress is at an all-time high. This probably comes as no surprise considering how competitive the job market is these days. As a matter of fact, it seems that more people are pushing themselves to the limit so as to achieve more on a daily basis.
Signs of Workplace Stress
A small amount of workplace stress is normal. However, excessive amounts can soon start to affect your physical and mental well-being. This can disrupt your life at home and even mean the difference between success and failure in your career. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the signs of stress so that you can deal effectively with them.
You might be experiencing workplace stress if you feel:
- Irritable and wound-up
- Depressed
- A sense of dread
- Anxious or afraid
- Unable to enjoy your social life
- Lonely
- Unable to switch off
Additionally, stress may start to affect you physically, in ways such as:
- Constant tiredness
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Chest pains
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Feeling sick, dizzy, or faint
Some Tips for Managing Workplace Stress
If stress is becoming an overwhelming part of your life, affecting your work performance or personal life, then it’s time to take action. Therefore, here are some ways you can begin to regain a sense of control.
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Be Positive in the Morning
Your mornings might be filled with a sense of dread. Perhaps you have knots in your stomach and a feeling of hopelessness. However, feeling stressed about work in the morning is only going to make you more reactive to workplace stress later in the day.
Instead, make an effort to get up early. Take a relaxing shower and eat a healthy breakfast. Then you should find that you’re walking into work feeling a little more positive.
Know What Is Required of You
Being unclear about the ins and outs of your role can make you feel more workplace stress than necessary. If you feel that you’re not doing enough at work, for example, ask your manager for feedback. Ask about areas where your manager feels that you could improve. Working on these improvements will lift some weight off your shoulders.
Stay Organized
Sometimes the biggest stress inducer at work is a complete lack of organization. Failing to be organized with your time will mean you’ll be rushed in the mornings. You’ll feel under pressure with deadlines and struggling under the weight of a cluttered desk. Instead, sit back and consider how you might be able to organize your time more efficiently. That might even mean asking to reduce your working hours.
Avoid Conflict and Unwelcome Confrontation
Interpersonal conflict can encourage symptoms of stress. Therefore, if you work in an office where conflict between coworkers is often difficult to avoid, try to stay clear of these people. Additionally, avoid gossip or office humor that might offend. In instances where conflict is impossible to avoid, keep a clear head. Look toward conflict resolution strategies.
Make the Most of Your Breaks
Think of your lunch hour as a time to escape. If you can, leave your place of work and go for a walk to clear your head of anything that might have happened during the day. Spending eight hours a day sitting behind a desk will affect you in more ways than you might think. So take this chance to do a little exercise to help to lift your mood.
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You Can Master Your Workplace Stress
Workplace stress is a normal part of modern day life. However, you don’t have to allow it to overtake and ruin your life. Take control now by making use of these simple tips.
