Can You Manage Workplace Stress?
Workplace stress is one of the most difficult forms of stress to avoid. You must work and once at work you will find many things to stress over. Stress in the workplace is not totally necessary. Like other stressors, there are methods to manage those found in the workplace. If you cannot avoid the stress, you can try to manage it.
Stress in the workplace often comes as a need for everything to be done immediately. For instance, your boss has given you a dozen things to do and they are all important. The problem arises when the workload exceeds the time available. In addition to the workload, someone is always asking for something you completed days ago or your boss is coming to you with more to do. It looks like it will never end but you can manage it.
Begin to manage the stress by focusing on one task at a time. If you attempt to multi-task you will not be successful as it causes you to constantly change your focus. This takes time and makes extra demands on your brain as you change your thoughts from one task to another and back. Maintaining your focus on a single project helps to keep your thoughts and energy concentrated instead of being scattered by multiple projects
Another of the biggest distractions is coworkers. One of them will often ask for your opinion or for your help with their project. This takes time and focus away from your tasks and if possible delay or avoid these time wasters. Saying “no” will help to avoid distractions. I know, it is difficult to just say no, so it may be better to tell them “As soon as I am done here” or “No, not right now”. This will give you time to finish the task at hand and by the time you finish, they may have forgotten they asked you for help or may have found a solution on their own. If not, then you can take the time to help them.
There are times when your concentration just disappears causing many difficulties. You end up staring at the computer screen without being able to figure out what it means or you read the same paragraph over and over without comprehending it. At times like this you aren’t being effective so it is necessary to break your focus before you miss the deadline. Get up and take a walk around the building, go to the restroom, get a drink and when you come back to your desk, you will be refreshed and ready to continue. You will have reduced the stress level and will be able to work effectively.
There are various exercises you can do while at your desk to help in reducing stress. Get a little stress ball and squeeze it regularly and do some stretching exercises while at your desk. When you work your muscles it helps maintain circulation and keeps you alert and aware. You won’t manage a full body workout sitting at your desk, but any amount of exercise will help to keep you focused.
If you take a look at your work space you may find that it is not comfortable for you. It may be noisy, or your desk may not be the proper height for you, or you may not be comfortable for other reasons. It may not be ergonomically correct. In order to work with as little distraction as possible you must be comfortable to avoid more stress. Having your office set up just right for you is the ticket. And addressing the little things in your office will assist you in working more consistently and confidently.
Stress in the workplace cannot be avoided. But, proper management can minimize the stress. When the stress is managed properly, work becomes more enjoyable and you end up being more productive. Taking care of yourself and your work environment first prevents stress from controlling you.
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