![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
One of the hardest forms of stress to avoid is workplace stress. After all, you need to go to work and there are plenty of things to worry about once you get there. However, that does not mean that workplace stress is unavoidable. Just like other kinds of stress, there are ways to manage workplace stress and there are ways to avoid it. Maybe you cannot avoid it entirely, but that is no reason not to try.
Workplace stress usually takes the form of everything needing to get done right now. You know the situation, there are a dozen things on your plate and they all need attention, but there are only so many hours in the day and you cannot attend to everything all at once. On top of that, the boss is breathing down your neck, asking you where the report/plan/program is and he also has a pile of other tasks for you once you finish that. It is a never-ending cycle, but it can be managed.
The first thing you need to do to avoid workplace stress is to focus on one task at a time. Do not try to multi-task, as it jars your system. Switching gears between projects does make demands on your brain and it takes a moment to change your thoughts from one place to another. Instead, if you focus on one project, you can keep your thoughts and energy in one place, preventing you from having to shift gears too often.
However, the big problem with trying to keep your focus is your coworkers. They will always be asking you for a quick minute or they will want you to answer their question, or they will want you to come over and help them on something. Try to deflect these as much as possible, as these can distract your focus. Thus, you must learn to say, "no." This is a highly effective word, though you may want to change it to, "No, not right now," or, "As soon as I am done with this." These little phrases can at least buy you some time to finish what you are doing, then switch comfortably to the needs of your coworkers.
There is another cause of workplace stress that can also cause you all manner of difficulty and that is when your concentration runs out. Oftentimes, you may find yourself focusing on the same page or the same computer screen for minutes at a time and you still have no idea what it is supposed to mean. This is not good, as it means that you are not being effective, your brain has shut down and the deadline is looming over you and you just need to get through this. Your best plan at this point is to walk away from your desk. Get up, get a cup of coffee (but not too often, as caffeine can heighten stress), go to the bathroom, anything. Walk the corridors for a minute or two and clear the cobwebs. This is highly effective both for ensuring that you are getting work done and for keeping workplace stress to a minimum.
Another way to prevent workplace stress is to learn some desk exercises. These can be simply squeezing a stress ball, or performing a few stretches while you are at your desk. By working your muscles at your desk, you can improve your circulation and help your keep alert and aware at work. Obviously, you are not going to get a full body workout while you are pecking at a keyboard, but it can help you at least keep your mind focused.
Finally, while you are at work you should examine your environment to see if it is right for you. How is the noise level? Is your desk set up properly? Are you comfortable? Is everything set up so that it is ergonomically correct? Your body needs to be comfortable if you want to work without distraction and distractions can lead to workplace stress. Thus, your work area needs to be set up for you. Take care of the little things around you and you will be able to work confidently and work well.
Workplace stress is, in many ways, part of working. However, by managing workplace stress properly, you can at least keep it to a minimum. And by doing that, work will be much more pleasant and you will be much more productive. So take care of yourself and the area around you and workplace stress will not control your day.
Trevor Dumbleton is the owner of http://www.LowerYourStress.com/ a categorized resource directory for everything to do with stress.
What good is Personal or Business Success...if your Health is... Read More
Panic.Heart racing. Palms sweating. Breathing rapid and shallow. Mouth dry.... Read More
Life is so busy and as mothers we spend so... Read More
We so often take the feelings of happiness and saddness... Read More
Feeling stressed? Who isn't!! In today's society, feeling "stressed out,"... Read More
When was the last time you took a day just... Read More
I'm so excited that I have discovered this secret today.... Read More
Looking for some quick stress relief?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker,... Read More
Here's a fun little experiment:Take a few seconds and look... Read More
Looking for mindfulness? Who ya gonna call?Try dialing M.It's easy... Read More
26 ways to minimize and manage the unhealthy effects of... Read More
The fall season signals a shift in most people's minds.... Read More
Imagine going through your whole life in the constant fear... Read More
Lake Hopatcong, NJ (PRWEB) November 30, 2004 -- Here are... Read More
The United Nations declares workplace stress to be a worldwide... Read More
Stress is normal. Stress is OK. Stress is the same... Read More
ResentmentsA wise friend once said that holding onto resentments is... Read More
Think back a few years to the nine coal miners... Read More
If you're like most people, you have your bouts of... Read More
Do you often overreact to situations? Are you a constant... Read More
My first real job (schedule, time clock, paycheck, boss) was... Read More
Everybody deals with fear and anxiety, however some people have... Read More
To be a safe and predictable person for those around... Read More
In order to free ourselves from the pain of anger... Read More
In his book, The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness, author... Read More
1) Create the life you desireTwo of our most underdeveloped... Read More
Stress is normal. Stress is OK. Stress is the same... Read More
"When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe,... Read More
Raise your hand if you have ever been rejected by... Read More
Among the hardest parts of living in the modern world... Read More
What is the greatest fear of man? Is it death?... Read More
First, let's make a distinction between pressure and stress. We... Read More
There is one sure fire medicine that cures all difficulty... Read More
While free-lancing for business magazines, I was assigned to write... Read More
So, you've recognised that you are suffering from stress and... Read More
Q:We recently had someone come to our company to talk... Read More
Stress, America's #1 health problem, is a leading cause of... Read More
We all have it; we live with it daily: stress.... Read More
Don't wait to have a life-threatening disease to learn what... Read More
Genuine enthusiasm...real feeling of accomplishment...sense of satisfaction and fun. Welcome... Read More
The pace of life seems to quicken every year. More... Read More
Tough leaders are usually seen as ogres. Their exacting demands... Read More
So many of us live a stressful life. Unfortunately, when... Read More
Most humans experience unexpected setbacks which can cause huge stress... Read More
Q. I wonder if you could help me with a... Read More
In my experience, most of us spend a lot more... Read More
I came out of a nightmare 5-year period of anxiety... Read More
Everyone experiences stress at some point in their life. In... Read More
STRESS & TIME MANAGEMENT: Stress is either the source or... Read More
For those who are suffering from stress, just about the... Read More
Stress Management Stress Management |