Ever feel stressed out at work? If so, you are not alone. Workplace stress has become a normal part of life for many of us. Whether it is struggling to meet deadlines, managing difficult coworkers, pleasing demanding employers, or trying to do more with less, stress seems to be a part of the job for millions of American workers.
Stress, however, doesn’t have to define you or zap your joy in life. With a thoughtful, purposeful approach, you can learn to minimize the impact that stress has on your life. Here are some practical tips to help you cope with the stressors of work and improve your overall well-being.
Communication and Conflict Resolution
One of the biggest stressors at work is often conflicts with coworkers or supervisors. Learning to resolve conflicts and communicate effectively can have a dramatic impact on the stress that you experience at work.
- Manage Expectations: Effectively manage your expectations and the expectations of those around you.
- Communicate Openly: Discuss concerns with your manager or colleagues. Don’t hold onto resentments or make others guess what you think or what you want.
- Active Listening: Pay attention to others’ perspectives and concerns. The more that you understand what others need, the easier it is to prevent misunderstandings from occurring.
- Conflict Resolution Skills: Learn and practice effective conflict resolution techniques. Unresolved conflicts can destroy relationships and can create an extremely stressful work environment.
- Assertiveness Training: Learn to communicate your needs and boundaries assertively.
Physical Well-being
It is easier to have a healthy mind if your body is also healthy. Take care of your body so that it can take care of you.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity during or after work. Exercise helps relieve stress and tension that can build up within the body.
- Healthy Diet: Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated throughout the day. Don’t binge on junk food, it only adds to the stress in your body.
- Sufficient Sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep each night. Recharging the body is an important part of successful stress management.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Reduce intake of substances that can exacerbate stress.
Work Environment
The more relaxing you make your work environment the easier it is to manage stress. Try some of these strategies to improve your work environment.
- Organize Your Workspace: A tidy workspace can reduce stress and improve focus. Create an organization system that allows you to stay focused on those tasks that have value.
- Ergonomics: Ensure your workstation is ergonomically set up to prevent discomfort.
- Natural Light: Where possible, maximize natural light in your workspace or bring in light that simulates natural light.
- Plants: Add plants to your workspace to improve air quality and create a calmer environment.
Social Support
Social support is an important part of stress management. The more we surround ourselves with positive support, the easier it is to deal with the challenges of the workplace.
- Connect with Colleagues: Build positive relationships with coworkers. Network with colleagues rather than isolating. It is easier to deal with the stressors of work when we feel like we are a part of a team.
- Social Activities: Don’t let work be your whole life. Participate in social activities outside of work and nurture friendships.
- Talk to a Friend or Family Member: Share your concerns with someone you trust.
Self-Care
Remember that if you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Be diligent about practicing self-care.
- Hobbies: Engage in hobbies and activities that you enjoy. It is amazing how much we can recharge when we are doing activities that we enjoy or find meaningful.
- Spend Time in Nature: Go for walks, spend time in parks, or enjoy other outdoor activities.
- Read: Reading can be a relaxing and engaging way to de-stress. Find things to read that are enjoyable or that allow you to learn new things.
- Take Vacations: Plan and take regular vacations to recharge.
Seek Professional Help
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): If your company has an EAP, make use of it. EAP counselors can help you talk through your concerns and develop more effective coping strategies.
- Therapy: Consider therapy to address underlying stress and anxiety. Therapy can be life changing. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a vital part of taking care of yourself.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is in crisis because of mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. New Dimensions provides Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for adolescents and adults with mental health or substance abuse issues. We have programs in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also have online programs available for adults who live within the State of Texas. To learn more about our programs, contact us at 800-685-9796.