Easy Steps for Combating Stress
In today's fast-paced work world, stress can often
feel like a part of the job. And, the truth is, some
stress isn't bad. A little bit of stress can actually
be good. It can motivate you, help you work hard and
allow you to react quickly when you need to.
But if stress happens too often or lasts too long, the results aren't good. You can find yourself with headaches, backaches, stomachaches and worse. It can affect your short-term outlook and your long-term health.
Bad for You, Bad for the Company
Stress isn't just bad for you, it's equally bad for your company. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, stress-related disorders are fast becoming the most prevalent reason for worker disability. Job stress and related problems cost American companies an estimated $200 billion or more annually through absenteeism, turnover, accidents, etc. So it's in everyone's interests to reduce stress in the workplace.
To that end, here is a list of techniques for managing and reducing stress on the job. Every technique may not work for you, but chances are, some of them will.
Manage Your Time More Effectively
Stress is often caused by feeling overloaded and fearing that you won't get everything done. Set priorities. Do the important tasks first. If some of the less important tasks fall by the wayside, learn to live with it.
Set Daily, Weekly, Monthly Goals
It's easy to feel like a hamster on a treadwheel, going nowhere. Setting realistic goals will help you feel focused and in control. Plus, goals provide a yardstick to measure your progress and even give yourself a pat on the back once in a while.
Recognize Your Limitations and Don't Take On Too Much
Most of us hate to say no to our co-workers and superiors. But a realistic "no" is often better for the company than an unrealistic "yes" that you can't live up to. Practice saying no without upsetting or offending others.
Don't Be Afraid to Share the Load
Asking for assistance doesn't mean you're lazy or incompetent. Quite the contrary, it often means you're a very concerned member of the team who wants to get the work done in the best possible way.
Avoid the Conflicts, Beware the Drama
Arguments and office politics are stress inducers. Are they worth it? Almost never. Look for win-win situations where everyone feels good about the outcome. You'll feel better about it, short term and long term.
Take a Break
Sometimes the best way to complete a job is to walk away from it. If you're feeling stressed, take a break. Switch to another task, take a walk or climb the stairs. When you come back to the job, you'll feel refreshed and refocused.
Relax, Breathe Deeply
Strangely, breathing through your nose really does bring down your stress level.
Depend on a Friend
Friends help us relax, laugh and see things differently. Talk to a friend about the things that are stressing you. They might help you look at things in a new way.
Try to See Things Differently
Rather than getting upset when someone has a different point of view, try to see things from their perspective. Listen actively, don't be rigid. Remember, there's always something new to learn.
Accept What You Cannot Change
A certain degree of acceptance is a critical stress reducer for life, as well as work. There are some things you simply can't change. Learn to recognize them, accept them and move on.
Take Advantage of Available Resources
No matter where you work or who you work for, remember it's in your company's best interests to reduce on-the-job stress. Talk to your employer or supervisor. She may already have stress reducing plans. Or, together, you may be able to put some plans in place.
But if stress happens too often or lasts too long, the results aren't good. You can find yourself with headaches, backaches, stomachaches and worse. It can affect your short-term outlook and your long-term health.
Bad for You, Bad for the Company
Stress isn't just bad for you, it's equally bad for your company. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, stress-related disorders are fast becoming the most prevalent reason for worker disability. Job stress and related problems cost American companies an estimated $200 billion or more annually through absenteeism, turnover, accidents, etc. So it's in everyone's interests to reduce stress in the workplace.
To that end, here is a list of techniques for managing and reducing stress on the job. Every technique may not work for you, but chances are, some of them will.
Manage Your Time More Effectively
Stress is often caused by feeling overloaded and fearing that you won't get everything done. Set priorities. Do the important tasks first. If some of the less important tasks fall by the wayside, learn to live with it.
Set Daily, Weekly, Monthly Goals
It's easy to feel like a hamster on a treadwheel, going nowhere. Setting realistic goals will help you feel focused and in control. Plus, goals provide a yardstick to measure your progress and even give yourself a pat on the back once in a while.
Recognize Your Limitations and Don't Take On Too Much
Most of us hate to say no to our co-workers and superiors. But a realistic "no" is often better for the company than an unrealistic "yes" that you can't live up to. Practice saying no without upsetting or offending others.
Don't Be Afraid to Share the Load
Asking for assistance doesn't mean you're lazy or incompetent. Quite the contrary, it often means you're a very concerned member of the team who wants to get the work done in the best possible way.
Avoid the Conflicts, Beware the Drama
Arguments and office politics are stress inducers. Are they worth it? Almost never. Look for win-win situations where everyone feels good about the outcome. You'll feel better about it, short term and long term.
Take a Break
Sometimes the best way to complete a job is to walk away from it. If you're feeling stressed, take a break. Switch to another task, take a walk or climb the stairs. When you come back to the job, you'll feel refreshed and refocused.
Relax, Breathe Deeply
Strangely, breathing through your nose really does bring down your stress level.
Depend on a Friend
Friends help us relax, laugh and see things differently. Talk to a friend about the things that are stressing you. They might help you look at things in a new way.
Try to See Things Differently
Rather than getting upset when someone has a different point of view, try to see things from their perspective. Listen actively, don't be rigid. Remember, there's always something new to learn.
Accept What You Cannot Change
A certain degree of acceptance is a critical stress reducer for life, as well as work. There are some things you simply can't change. Learn to recognize them, accept them and move on.
Take Advantage of Available Resources
No matter where you work or who you work for, remember it's in your company's best interests to reduce on-the-job stress. Talk to your employer or supervisor. She may already have stress reducing plans. Or, together, you may be able to put some plans in place.