While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and performance, impact your physical and emotional health, and affect your relationships and home life. It can even mean the difference between success and failure on the job.
You can’t control everything in your work environment, but that doesn't’ mean you’re powerless—even when you’re stuck in a difficult situation. Whatever your ambitions or work demands, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the damaging effects of stress, improve your job satisfaction, and bolster your well-being in and out of the workplace.
Stress isn’t always bad. A little bit of stress can help you stay focused, energetic, and able to meet new challenges in the workplace. It’s what keeps you on your toes during a presentation or alert to prevent accidents or costly mistakes. But in today’s hectic world, the workplace too often seems like an emotional roller coaster.
Warning signs
The warning signs can be clear or hidden but if you’ve been feeling one or more of the below then it maybe stress related!
- Irritable or impatient
- Distracted, forgetful or losing attention to detail
- Mood swings
- Not able to ‘switch off’
- Becoming withdrawn
- Under or over-eating
- Increased use of nicotine, alcohol or drugs
- Tense muscles
- Headaches
- Feeling sick
- Disrupted sleep
- Keep getting colds or feeling unwell
At some point in our lives the majority of us will go through stressful situations and feel stressed. Below are some ideas to support you through and out of the stressful situation you are facing.
Top 5 Stress busters
- Try to find out what the issue is – finding the root cause of the problem means you know how to tackle it
- Try to avoid more stress – sounds silly but don’t add more stress to stress
- Exercise – get those endorphins and happy hormones going
- Take time out to relax – take some ‘you time’
- Socialise – being around other people can support you to feel more in control
