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Addressing Stress in the Work Environment

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In March of 2010 we published an article entitled “How to Deal with Stress at Work and Thrive,” which discussed some techniques that would help to reduce stress level in the work place. Now, we would like to revisit that topic with additional information and ideas.

According to the American Institute of Stress, 40% of Americans report that their job is an extreme source of stress for them. Furthermore, 75% of workers believe that jobs in America are more stressful than they were one decade ago.

The most common sources of job stress are:

  • Lack of control
  • Increased responsibility
  • Job satisfaction & performance
  • Uncertainty about work roles
  • Poor communication
  • Lack of support
  • Working conditions

Personal health is a concern strongly associated with stress, including heart issues, back pain, fatigue, and headache.

These are the most common signs of job stress:

  • Headaches
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Problems concentrating
  • Short temper
  • Upset stomach
  • Job dissatisfaction and low morale

You can reduce some job stress by noticing what things that you have control over and those you don’t. You may not have total control over the deadline however you do have control over how you manage your thoughts about it.  By focusing the mind on the present moment task you can avoid negative thoughts shifting into the future.

Here is a simple and easy method you can do often;

First, identifying your stressors is an important part of ridding the work place of stress. Each time that you feel yourself becoming stressed ask yourself if you have total control of the situation or person.  Most often we don’t.

Second, tell yourself that you can change how you think about it.  Easier said than done? True, but it is a process that takes practice.  To do this allow your body sit comfortably and relax. Closing your eyes breath in and out very deeply.  The key to relaxation is to refocus thinking.  So its best as you relax to focus on your breath going in and going out.  This can become a form of mediating. Notice any sensations that you experience as just an experience; not making it right or wrong.  Do this 5-7 times. Typically people try to clear the mind or focus on many different things.  This in itself is challenging.  That is why a simply focusing on your breathing can be more beneficial.  It is effective, powerful, and a proven method for de-stressing.

I know stress is a hot issue, and I would like to continue our conversation.  If you personally struggle with stress in your workplace, please leave a comment below.

 

Mindfulness: Two Powerful Techniques to Reduce Your Stress at Work

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Have you found yourself becoming more stressed out then usual? Stress, especially in the workplace, can occur for many reasons. Most people fly through life very quickly, not taking time to slow down and enjoy their lives, but simply push through one day to the next.

Moving through the workday at this speed does not allow you the time needed to process any of the daily ups and downs you might encounter during your workday. Dealing with stress at work is an important skill set to cultivate. The more you take the time to work through the minor stressors at work, the easier it will be for you to let each little work incident go, and the happier you will be overall with your job and work situation.

One important thing you can do when it comes to dealing with stress at work, is to give thanks as often as you can. This is a practice called Mindfulness Meditation.

Being aware, in your body, and living life moment to moment, gives you the ability to be thankful for what you have, and analyze the situation around you before responding. Mindfullness Meditation is a wonderful way to relax your mind and your body at the beginning and end of the day.

Another way you can deal with stress at work is to accept that there are certain things in your life that are not within your control. You can’t control assignments you are given, an individuals opinion of you, the hours you have to work every day- but you can make huge strides towards feeling stress free by accepting that there are some things that you personally cannot change.

Instead you can focus more specifically on things that are within your control. You can control how you react in a certain situation, how you communicate with your boss or co-workers, and how much time you give yourself daily to relax and reflect.

Thinking through the things that are within your power to control, gives you the ability to deal with stress at work in a proactive and productive way.

How to Deal with Stress at Work and Thrive

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If you are having trouble dealing with stress at work, do not worry, you are not alone. The majority of people find that their day to day work schedule evokes some kind of stress response. If your daily stressors build up too much, it can start effecting your work performance, your mood, and even stay with you after your work day has ended.

It may seem like stress at work is a problem that is unavoidable, but this is far from the case. There are numerous way in which you can take time to relax during your work day, thereby reducing your over all stress load and relaxing your mind and body. Not only will you be in a better, more uplifted mood, but also you will be ready to focus more clearly on the work tasks that lie ahead of you.

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