Over half of working adults and 47% of all Americans are concerned about the amount of stress in their lives, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
Much of this stress comes from our jobs. According to Statistic Brain, “job pressure” is the number one cause of stress in the United States. In fact, many of us are so stressed from work that we end up missing work—the annual costs to employers in stress-related health care and missed work is $300 billion. There are many negative symptoms of stress, physically and mentally, such as headaches, insomnia, and upset stomach.
Stress Impacts Work Life
Furthermore, stress can impact how you show empathy at work. Stress and frustration are known empathy blockers, which can prevent you from building positive relationships in the office.
But, if you can learn healthy ways to manage your stress at work, you’ll not only be more productive, but also happier overall. Stress doesn’t have to rule your life, there are numerous healthy ways to manage stress at work.
Feeling stressed at work is natural, but if you ignore it and let stress continue to build, you will eventually reach a breaking point which can be damaging to your mental and physical health. Instead of letting stress mount, introduce these behaviors and techniques into your life.
To recap, you can better manage stress by:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising
- Taking deep breaths
- Prioritizing and organizing tasks
- Smiling and laughing
- Venting to friends and family
- Taking more breaks
- Learning to say no
- Unplugging from technology
- Spending time enjoying hobbies
- And embracing mistakes
These activities will help you manage your stress and enjoy a happier and healthier work life. As adults we spend a lot of our time at work, so you might as well do your best to make that time enjoyable.
Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/relaxation-techniques/hlv-20049495
- http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/manage-stress.aspx
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/tips-to-control-stress#1
- https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/07/11/10-practical-ways-to-handle-stress/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/manage-your-stress-levels.aspx
