Stress at the workplace is considered normal. Excessive stress is another thing. It can hinder productivity and affect your physical and emotional health. The ability to effectively deal with it can spell the difference to succeed or fail at the workplace.

While there are things that you cannot control at the workplace, you have the power to choose how you will deal with the stressful situation. Handling stress does not mean making huge changes or shifting careers. It should, first and foremost, focus on the one thing that you can control – you.

Stress initially affects your emotions. When your emotions are triggered, your moods change. The passion for work lessens and you become discouraged. The motivation begins to dissolve. Your moods affect how you deal with others. Negativity jumps in. Eventually, physical symptoms manifest. You begin to feel body weakness, headaches, stomach cramps, and back aches.

Since you can control yourself in this situation, being equipped on how to manage your work stress can do wonders for you. There are lots of ways to manage work stress. Here are some of the best stress busters you can do to reduce your work place stress.

The first is to take responsibility by improving your physical and emotional well-being. If you are physically fit, you will have the energy to handle stress. The next thing you can do is to identify those which stress you the most. Avoid these stressors as much as you can. If the stressors are co-workers or your boss, try to avoid negative attitudes towards them as these can only trigger stressful situations.

Learn better communication skills to improve your working relationships. Being soft spoken yet firm can provide better means to settle matters. Show support but learn to say “No” to negativity and too much pressure.

Be mindful of stress that manifests in your physique. If you feel stressed, short breaks can help boost your energy. If you feel so stressed out already, make sure you relax and take a rest.

Remember that you can maximize your potentials and enjoy your job better if you are not stressed out. So, never over tire yourself and enjoy the job that you have.

References:

McGonagle, Katherine; Ronald Kessler (October 1990). “Chronic Stress, Acute Stress, Depressive Symptoms”. American Journal of Community Psychology

Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D Candidate. “Stress Management: What can you do?”.St. Louis Psychologists and Counseling Information and Referral.Retrieved March 2, 2016.

 

Sedgeman, J.A. (2005). Health Realization/Innate Health: Can a quiet mind and a positive feeling state be accessible over the lifespan without stress-relief techniques? Med. Sci. Monitor 11(12) HY47-52.

 

By: Gemmalyn R. Castro | Administrative Assistant III | Bonifacio Camacho National High School | Abucay, Bataan