How to Effectively Manage Work Stress

The workplace can be a very stressful place to be, especially during busier times when there are deadlines to be met. This also applies to anyone working from home. In fact, working from home can cause an increase in stress because it can be harder to manage your time. Whether you are working from home or in the workplace, here are some tips to manage stress and expectations.

Find the cause of your stress

While this seems like the obvious solution to the problem, it’s often easier said than done. For many people, there could be multiple reasons they are feeling stressed. Perhaps you feel you are lacking experience in your area of work, or your workload is too big for you to handle. Maybe the main issue is that you’re trying to juggle too many tasks at once. Monitor how you feel throughout the day and when you are at your most stressed state take note of this. This will help you to figure out what needs to change.

Talk to your employer about expectations

Once you are familiar with the cause of your stress, discuss it privately with your employer (if you have one). As your employer, they should care about your mental health. And they should be taking any concerns seriously. Try to be calm when discussing your problems with your employer so they can understand it clearly from your point of view. A simple discussion could lead to them reducing your workload, offering some assistance, or referring you to a therapist if needed. 

Find coping techniques 

A high amount of stress can lead to severe consequences. For the sake of your mental and physical health, you need to find ways to cope with it in a healthy manner. This will be different for everyone since everyone deals with stress differently. Some people find it highly beneficial to get outside and do some light exercise when they are feeling either stressed or anxious. Take some deep breaths, count to ten, and remind yourself that it’s okay to feel this way. Simply walking away from your desk and taking a short break can also alleviate stress. If natural remedies aren’t working for you, consider talking to a therapist or going to a doctor.

Reward yourself for small achievements

Rewarding yourself when you reach a milestone or when you complete a difficult task is a form of self care. Your reward can be anything that makes you feel happy or grateful. Doing this frequently can help lower stress levels and improve your overall well being. 

Find ways to balance your time

One of the main causes of work-related stress is the inability to manage your time effectively. For instance, you might be taking on too many tasks at once. Or it could be that you simply can’t complete one of your tasks so you spend an increased amount of time on it. If you are struggling with a task, seek some assistance instead of trying to solve it entirely on your own. Also consider writing a to-do list or structuring your day with a planner. This will help you to manage your time and reduce stress levels. 

Written by,

Coralle Skye