How to Handle Stress at Work

Did you know that 80% of employees experience some level of workplace stress?

Stress at work is very common nowadays, and the causes can vary from workload, relationship with coworkers, salary, or lack of support. While feeling stressed occasionally or feeling some kind of tension when you are approaching a deadline is normal, being constantly stressed at work is not, and it can have serious consequences on your health. In fact, chronic stress can lead to anxiety, insomnia, or depression. Therefore, do not neglect this issue and take the necessary steps to keep work-related stress to a minimum.

How can you do that? Let’s take a look at some tips on how to reduce workplace stress:

Work on Staying Organized

Do you struggle with meeting deadlines? Are you having trouble finishing all your daily tasks? Do you often feel like you are wasting a lot of time?

One of the most common causes of work-related stress is disorganization. Even if you are not naturally organized, this is a skill that can be learned. Learning how to plan ahead and organize your tasks efficiently can significantly change your life. You will have more control over your actions, you will become more efficient, and it will be easier to handle emergencies in case they occur.

Here’s what you can do:

• Create to-do lists and organize your tasks based on priorities
• Limit distractions such as social media, personal calls, or television
• Declutter your workspace
• Add tasks in your calendar and set specific timeframes for completing them
• Delegate tasks when possible

While you might find it difficult to get used to these new habits at first, you will soon start to feel the effects of organizing your time more efficiently.

Take Regular Breaks

It is scientifically proven that breaks can reduce and prevent stress. Therefore, do not underestimate the importance of taking regular breaks throughout your day. Not only will these make you less stressed, but you will also become more focused or productive.

One of the best ways to make sure that you regularly step away from your work is to set specific times for your breaks. For example, you can take a short break every one or two hours and a longer break for lunch. During these times, try to engage in activities that help you disconnect and relax. You could take some fresh air, take a walk, talk to your colleagues, or grab a cup of tea. Try to step away from your desk during breaks and avoid any work-related activities.

Take Time to Recharge

Short breaks are not enough. You also need to occasionally disconnect from work for longer periods of time. How can you do that? By taking holidays.

Vacations can help you avoid burnout, as you get the chance to relax and spend time pursuing your hobbies.

Therefore, use you annual leave to disconnect from your work. During this time, it’s important to avoid thinking about any work-related stuff. Therefore, do not check your emails, don’t take work calls, and inform your coworkers that you are on holiday.

Apart from your holidays, weekends are also great for recharging. Try to make the most our of your time off, as a happy personal life will be reflected in your professional life as well.

Set Realistic Goals

Set Boundaries

A great way to avoid stress at work is to set clear boundaries with your management, coworkers and even yourself.

First of all, make sure your colleagues know what your working hours are, so that they don’t disturb you outside of that timeframe. Secondly, discuss with the management about the amount of tasks you can do without feeling overwhelmed. Avoid working overtime or taking up more tasks than you can handle. 

Also, it is important that you set clear boundaries between your personal and professional lives. That means disconnecting from work once your shift is over. Your loved ones, your hobbies, and your free time are also very important, so it’s essential that you treat them as a priority. Your professional life is important, but there are many other things that make your life complete, so you need to act accordingly.

Seek Help

If you are feeling overwhelmed with work, do not hesitate to seek help. You can talk to your manager or to a HR representative and try to find ways to overcome this challenge together. They can help you delegate some of your tasks, create a better schedule, or improve your relationship with your coworkers.

Or, you can get in touch with a mental health professional and learn how to cope with work-related stress.

Regardless of the option you choose, it’s important to understand that you are not alone in this and to seek and accept help from others.

Final Thoughts

I hope that the tips above will help you improve your work environment and reduce the amount of stress you experience. However, if you are part of a toxic work environment and the amount of stress is overwhelming, I encourage you to consider making a career change. Your mental health and general wellbeing should represent your main priority.

What other tips do you have for dealing with stress at work? Let me know in the comments below!