How to manage work related stress?

Stress is an essential part of life. The right amount of stress in life challenges you, keeps you motivated, helps you acquire or grow skills and keeps you on your toes. Excessive, long-term stress, on the other hand, stops you from being at your potential best and causes significant damage to your mind, body, and work. It is important to learn how to navigate deal with stress so as to maximize job performance and maintain good physical and mental wellbeing. 

Recognize that you are stressed.

The first step to being a better you is understanding that you are stressed out. Short-term stress is usually just that; short term. It ends in feelings of satisfaction once projects are completed. Some signs of chronic stress to watch out for include; fatigue, constantly feeling overwhelmed, low morale, anxiety, panic attacks, thinking about work in negative connotations and a workload that drags on and on.

Identify your triggers.

Monitor situations and events that cause you to react negatively at work. Some things might be glaringly obvious like constantly being criticized, other things like a long commute or a cramped workspace are more subtle and you may not realize immediately that they causing stress. Once you’ve identified them, make a plan to either change the circumstances or change your reactions to the circumstances.

Take a break.

Being tired is not a badge of honor nor does it not mean you did better work than your well-rested colleague. Resting does not make you lazy or idle, it refreshes you and keeps you at your working best. To put it dramatically, if you died this instant, life would go on without you.

Set clear boundaries.

Don’t mix business and pleasure. Set aside dedicated times to relax and disconnect completely from work. Use this time selfishly, avoid stimulating activity stressful situations and spend time doing something that makes you happy.

Resist perfectionism

Learn to trust your abilities, avoid unrealistic goals and think positively about your work.

Be positive

Choose to maintain a positive attitude, especially in negative situations. It fosters positive energy and motivation into otherwise gloomy events.

Practicing these simple steps will keep you feeling good about your job and help you navigate your work easily.