Salary concerns, looming deadlines, conflicting demands, and a lack of growth opportunities are all common work-related stressors. Stress on the job is unavoidable; however, when the stress builds and becomes chronic, it often trickles into your home life. Common chronic stress symptoms include headaches, anxiety, depression or other unhealthy habits like overeating. If you notice any of these becoming prevalent in your life, be warned that your health is at risk.
What can you do to conquer your work stress?
The American Psychological Association recommends using the following tactics.
Develop A Healthy Response
Become aware and note the specific triggers of your stress. Note how you respond to the trigger and choose a healthier response. For example, you may notice that your typical response to a long, tense day is ordering takeout and streaming Netflix. Instead of ordering food on the way home, try going to the gym to work out. Exercise will release endorphins that can help you combat the negative stress of your day.
Calm the Mind
Schedule a few minutes at the start and/or end of each day to be still and breathe. When you feel the surge of adrenaline building, take a pause. Take a few, slow, deep breaths and you will feel a sense of calm being restored to your nervous system.
Get Excited About It
Be encouraging with your inner thoughts. Take control of negative thoughts to shift your mindset and mood. Focus on what you’re good at doing and plant positive thoughts in place of negative ones. Be open to new assignments and attack them with enthusiasm. “Your perspective of stressful office events is typically a subjective interpretation of the facts, often seen through the filter of your own self-doubt,” says Dr. Sharon Melnick, a business psychologist. Change your perspective. Choose to view the stress as a challenge that you will confidently handle.
Summary
Stress is part of life and you can choose how you respond to it. By developing a healthier response, calming your mind and getting excited to tackle the challenges ahead, you can better cope with the work stress in your life.
