Stress is something we all encounter from time to time – it’s inevitable. But how we deal with it is the interesting part; this is something we can, in fact, control. How we identify it and the strategies for managing workplace stress play a crucial role in our overall wellbeing, mental health and productivity at work.
Noticing stress
Stress comes in all shapes and forms, varying greatly from person to person. As an individual, it is important to learn the ways in which stress manifests itself for you. This could be an overwhelming feeling of fatigue, a loss of your appetite, a shorter temper or a change in your overall emotional state. It can also be helpful to identify and understand other people’s triggers, so you can be more mindful when interacting with them.
As soon as you recognise the signs, it is important to acknowledge them. When we are stressed, we typically try and push through. However, this is counterproductive and it often exacerbates the situation.
Strategies for managing workplace stress
Stay organised
Poor organisation is a common cause of stress in the workplace. When and where possible, take a look at the ways in which you can create a better organisation structure in your workplace. You may be able to implement systems that will greatly help you stay on top of important deadlines and your general workload. This is a great preemptive measure for reducing stress in the working environment, helping you enhance productivity and happiness.
Avoid conflict
In times of stress, senses are heightened and conflict can be more likely to occur. Managing stress in the workplace is not always the easiest task, but if you add conflict to your plate, you can start to feel increasingly overwhelmed. This often leads to the feeling that your work environment is inescapable.
Go for a walk
Getting outside and doing some gentle exercise are both good ways of alleviating day-to-day pressures. This is one of the best strategies for managing stress in the workplace; first and foremost, you are physically taking yourself out of and away from the stressful situation. And secondly, you are giving yourself headspace and occupying your mind and body with something that is productive.
It is great if you can utilise your lunch breaks to go for a walk and break up the often sedentary daily routine. Doing so helps you take a mental and physical break from your work and allow you to come back to it with a clearer mind.
Stress awareness month
As April is stress awareness month, what better time to try and implement some of the management strategies mentioned above? These are just a few suggestions but they can greatly impact the ways in which you identify and remedy stressful situations. Most importantly, if you can learn to detect the early signs of stress, you will be far better placed to tackle it before it tackles you!
