The Best Ways to Handle Work Stress

Did You Know? 

 

There are more than 2700 billionaires in the world;  166 of them reside in India!  Such facts might incite some envy or inspire you to strive for these riches. After all, who doesn’t want to live luxuriously? We certainly do! However, in the pursuit of money, we have foregone our basic necessities like mental health. With many people struggling to make ends meet, the fight for a living rages on. Some casualties include peace of mind, mental wellness and physical health.  There’s no hiding it - the lack of work-life balance has skewed our priorities. The piling on tasks, unending meetings, short deadlines and general hostilities of a workplace have compromised the lives of thousands of employees. Whether you work from home (WFH) or at the office, the unpleasant working conditions have seeped into your personal life. 

The Influence of Work-Stress on our Lives 

Our desire to acquire immense wealth has put our mental and physical health at risk of many ailments. The ever-increasing workload and aggressive nature of some vocations have affected employees around the globe. It has blurred the lines between working to earn and working to afford.  The effects of work stress cross the boundaries of psychological and physical diagnosable symptoms. But, before diving into the visible signs, let’s understand the different sources of stress at workplaces. 

 

• Less Control: The lack of control can demoralise employees, making them feel powerless against their work 

• Job Security: Employees may experience insecurity at work due to matters like loss of job, poor salary or low scope of career progression

• Heavy Workload: Unrealistic deadlines might make employees feel overwhelmed and rushed 

• Micro-Management: Overcontrolling management systems make employees feel undervalued and reduce their self-esteem 

• Poor Communication: Being less informed about integral changes in the business could make employees feel uncertain about their future  Wait a minute. Suspecting you or a loved one is troubled with work stress? Check out these symptoms to identify changes in your behaviour! 

1. Headaches 

2. Aggression

3. Muscle Tension

4. Anxiety

5. Fatigue 

6. Insomnia 

7. Depression 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to improve your routine. There are several ways to reduce work stress without relying on medications. 

5 Ways to Deal with Work Stress

There’s no easy way to put this - stress at the workplace is inevitable. While some jobs/roles have comparatively lesser work stress, it’s an unavoidable part of career progression. However, that shouldn’t deter you from excelling at your job! Here are five easy ways to manage work stress. 

1. Practice Deep Breathing 

While sighing at the sight of incoming workloads, stop for a moment and take a deep breath. The simple act of inhaling can restore some semblance of control and help you compose yourself. Experts recommend holding in your breath for a few seconds before exhaling. 

2. Build Self-Confidence 

Some people feel compelled to hold themselves at gunpoint to finish tasks before deadlines or fear receiving negative/critical feedback. Free yourself from such invasive thoughts by building your self-confidence. 

3. Find Time for Exercise 

Leading a sedentary lifestyle could potentially contribute to experiencing increased work stress. Solve this by introducing some exercise into your daily routine. While at work, try to go on walks during the lunch hours or set reminders to get up and walk between regular intervals. 

4. Listen to Post-Work Music 

Unwinding after a long day of work could do wonders for treating work stress! Start the process of post-work detox by listening to your favourite music on the ride or drive back home. It will uplift your mood and cheer your spirit, helping you transition back into your personal life. 

5. Become more Organised 

If you’re a generally unorganised person, it’s time to declutter your surroundings. Remove unnecessary and wasteful items from your desk to create a less chaotic scene. Aside from your workstation, being organised can reduce the stress of last-minute rushes and aid you in becoming more efficient.  The longer you practice these habits, the faster work stress will decrease. Regularly conduct mental wellness check-ins and prioritise self-care time to avoid being overwhelmed. 

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