Do you despise the thought of going to work? When you see that aggravating coworker who goes out of their way to irritate you, does it make you wish you had stayed at home? There are a lot of things that cause a stressful work environment.
Here are a few proven methods for managing stress in the workplace so your job doesn't drive you crazy.
1. Schedule Breaks in Your Day
You deserve a break, today and every day. There is research that shows productivity is enhanced when you don't work on a particular project or task for more than 90 to 120 minutes at a time. This means taking breaks throughout your workday can help your employer as much as they help you to de-stress.
2. Take Advantage of Your Benefits
How much personal time off have you accrued? Does your company offer mental health days? Are you one of those people that never takes your vacation time? Companies offer benefits because they help you be a better employee, and as a way to entice you to go to work for them. Take advantage of those benefits to stress less on the job.
3. Talk with Your Coworkers
Seek the opinions of others. There may be a bigger problem than just your personal stress and anxiety. Let your coworkers know what you are going through on the job.
If you're the only one who is stressed out, maybe you need to make some changes to your routine. If everyone is in the same boat, you can approach management as a team to have the necessary changes made.
4. Ask If Your Company Offers Work-At-Home Options
Remote work has exploded in recent years. Companies and workers alike enjoy many benefits when the employee doesn't have to leave home to perform his job. Working at home might be just what the doctor ordered for less stress and anxiety.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Your Boss/Manager for Help
Ask for help. Go to your manager and express your concerns. They might not know what you're going through. Get help from somebody higher up the food chain. They have more power than you to make the necessary changes that lead to a better work environment for everyone.
6. Get to Work Early
Start arriving to work earlier than usual. Give yourself plenty of time to start your workday. Take some time to relax and prepare yourself, either at home or in the employee break room. Arriving to work just before your shift starts can lead to unnecessary stress.
7. Clear the Clutter, Get Organized
Look around your workstation. What do you actually need versus what you see? Clear the clutter. Get organized. Remove distractions. You might be creating a stressful environment without realizing it.
8. Build a Great Life Away from Work
You had a long day at work. It was exhausting, physically and mentally. But there is a smile on your face. You know you have a wonderful home atmosphere to help you recharge and destress. A positive and rewarding life away from work can help you get through difficult times on the job.
9. If All Else Fails, Change Jobs
If you have exhausted all other options, changing jobs might be the answer. You deserve an enjoyable and rewarding workplace atmosphere. Don't accept anything less. If you have to change employers so you can stress less on the job, be prepared to do that for yourself.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
✅ Get up earlier than you usually do: Plan for your workday. Then arrive at work at least 10 or 15 minutes before your shift starts. This is a relaxing and stress-relieving way to start your day.
✅ Nail down your schedule: Where can you fit in a few short breaks each day? Take these breaks away from your workplace atmosphere if at all possible.
✅ Get to know all of the benefits your employer offers: This includes personal time off, vacations, mental health days and possibly remote, work-at-home positions. Take advantage of any benefits that can help you stress less on the job.
Quote:
“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.” - Michele Ruiz