5 Tips to Manage Stress at Work
Significant research has shown that a highly stressful work environment can negatively impact mental health.Studies have shown that stressful work environments can have significant impacts on employees which an exacerbate or illuminate mental health issues. In particular research has indicated those in high effort and low reward positions suffer a great deal of stress (Siegrist, 1996). In addition, poor treatment by management can have significant impacts on one's mental health.
That being said, what if your job is just OK? Maybe you don't find the conditions all that unbearable but want to make your daily experience a little more enjoyable.
Here are some quick tips to help manage job stress:
1. "The early bird catches the worm."Being late for work can cause a hurried and stressful feeling that can permeate throughout your entire day.
2. Get enough sleep. If you have a difficult boss or a particularly stressful work environment, take a preemptive strike and make sure you get a good night's rest every night. Getting good rest makes you more aware and alert to complete your tasks, as well as helps make you better able to cope with a nagging boss or difficult coworkers.
3. Dive right in.When you get to your place of business, if you have the choice, dive in to your toughest tasks in the morning. During the early hours you will likely have the most energy to tackle the hard stuff. Taper off your day with shorter, less intensive tasks to help that transition out of the office that much easier.
4. Eat a good, balanced breakfast. There is significant research that states that the mind-body connection is very strong. If you load up on a nutrient rich balanced breakfast, you will likely find yourself more able to tackle your work tasks and cope with the stress of work. Being hangry (hungry+angry) and irritable might create a self-fulfilling prophecy of a tough work environment. Self care really is the best care!
5. Don't forget to ask for help. If there is support available at your job, then use it! If you're feeling overwhelmed or frustrated by your experience at work, seek out someone you trust. A supervisor or understanding coworker will help you manage the day's challenges without making you feel bad for seeking support.I hope these quick tips can help you better deal with the stress of your work day.
If you employ some of these techniques and still find your work situation difficult, it might be time to re-evaluate your position with the aid of supportive therapist that can help guide you in times of transition or explore strategies to manage workplace stress.