5 Tips for Managing Stress in the Workplace
Work can be stressful. Even for those of us who love and enjoy our jobs, it’s common to experience workplace stress. If you’ve felt pressure to complete a project, meet performance expectations, or impress your boss, you’re most certainly not alone. Although most of us don’t have the option to simply not work, there are ways of more effectively managing stress at work. Keep reading while we discuss 5 ways you can reduce workplace stress and improve your overall quality of life as a result.
Set Healthy Goals
Depending on your job, your goal-setting may not be entirely up to you. However, even within strictly defined expectations, setting small personal goals can add inspiration to your workday and help you more easily move through any less enjoyable aspects of your work. Achieving goals results in excitement and a feeling of accomplishment which is a great way to combat workplace stress.
One example might be arriving 10 minutes early each day so that you have time to do some deep breathing and mentally prepare for the day instead of rushing in at the last minute and feeling flustered. Or, perhaps you could set a goal to become qualified for a new position. Whether you’re looking for a promotion in your organization or a move to something that you enjoy more, knowing that you are working towards something helps maintain a positive attitude to better navigate workplace stress.
Seek Support
A good workplace environment provides open communication and support to its staff. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed, it might be time to reach out to your boss or your HR department and ask for support and assistance. Working with your supervisor or corporate staff to properly define your role and its expectations can help reduce stress and ensure that you aren’t taking on more than what is necessary. On the other hand, you may find that your role has expanded in ways that weren’t previously defined resulting in an improved title and compensation. It is important to advocate for yourself and stay connected to those who will advocate for you in your workplace.
Set Boundaries
When it comes to protecting your personal peace, and therefore reducing workplace stress, having clear personal boundaries is key. Although many companies encourage a great work-life balance, others push the limits as far as their staff will allow. It is important to know the rules and expectations of your role so that you can properly advocate for your personal and professional boundaries.
An example of this might be to make it known that you do not accept workplace communications outside of working hours. Another example could be as simple as taking your full lunch every time you work so that you have time to nourish your body, reset your mind, and take the break that you’ve earned.
Work Space
Designate Time for Rest and Play
It is important to acknowledge that this tip is a privilege. Not everyone has time for adequate rest and play. Unfortunately, this is due to a variety of factors like cost of living and appropriate wages. However, whenever possible, remember that a balanced schedule with intentional rest and play included is vital to our mental health and ability to deal with stresses of every kind.
You get to determine what rest and play look like for you. This may be reading your favorite book on the bus home, taking a nap on your day off, or dancing around the house in the mornings as you get ready for work. Of course, extended time off like vacation and trips is included but for managing daily stressors, it’s important to also have daily habits and activities to combat them.
Be Proactive vs. Reactive
Whenever possible, show up to your work environment as prepared as possible so that you can proactively respond to workplace needs rather than react to circumstances as they occur. Reactive moments tend to increase stress while feeling prepared and ready to confidently address whatever is headed your way mitigates it.
Proactive behavior might include asking questions, planning, observing patterns, or simply paying more attention to your surroundings and fellow employees. Being as prepared as possible to do the job that is asked of you is an easy way to ensure that you are prepared for whatever the day brings, reducing the need for anxiety and stress about the workday.
Stress can’t always be completely eliminated since we usually work with other people and factors that are out of our control. However, it can most certainly be managed and alleviated with these tips and recommendations. If you feel that you need more personalized support as it pertains to your personal life and work environment, feel free to contact us at Genesis Counseling to schedule an appointment for counseling. You deserve to work in an environment with manageable amounts of stress and we look forward to helping you achieve that.