How to Manage Stress in the Workplace

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Stress in the workplace can be a daily nightmare for many people. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, studies show the number of Americans who are “extremely stressed at work” is between 29% to 40%. A study done by About.com reported that, “Half of respondents are so stressed at work that they feel close to or consumed by burnout much of the time.” Because getting a lower stress job is not a realistic option for everyone, it is imperative for many to learn how to manage stress in the workplace.

To better weather a day at the office, remember to follow general stress-fighting tips like getting enough sleep, eating right, meditating, and over-all self-care (good hygiene, making sure your own needs are met, etc). Managing stress in the workplace starts with managing your day-to-day stress first. Set aside time each day for a relaxing bath, a nature walk or bike ride, silent reading, playing with a pet, or doing a special hobby you love.

If your commute is a big part of your work-related stress, figure out what you can do to ease the tension. Is there a commuter train you can take instead? Can you carpool? Can you get a different car? Can you upgrade your car stereo and put in air conditioning? Would listening to books on tape or guided meditations help you better mentally occupy yourself during the drive? Can you transfer to a closer office? Managing stress in the workplace will prove challenging if, by the time you arrive at work each morning, you are already fried and frazzled.

After clocking in, try to think positive and surround yourself with goodness, tranquility, and things and people you like as much as possible. Some work-specific strategies for tackling stress in the workplace include: not taking on additional responsibilities beyond what you are paid to do, be careful not to participate in gossip, keep your personal opinions on religion and politics to yourself, stay organized, make sure your boss or your company has provided you with the proper set-up and equipment you need to accomplish your tasks, and make your workspace as comfortable as possible (bring in a lumbar back support cushion for your chair or bring an oscillating fan, for example).

Some other helpful tips for alleviating stress in the workplace include getting out of the office and away from coworkers, supervisors, ringing telephones, customers, and so on at each available opportunity–go outside for lunch, take a walk during your break, skip office parties. Another tip to remember is to keep “perfectionism” and multitasking in check. Don’t over-extend yourself.

To revisit the beginning of this article, if you feel you absolutely detest your job but can not leave, ask yourself why? Most likely, the majority of your feeling that you cannot leave is in your head. So you may face a pay cut, a loss in “office ranking,” or maybe you’ll have a hole in your resume… but what is more important: your happiness or whatever it is tying you to your current stressful workplace? It never hurts to look in the classified ads every morning to see what jobs are available. You may be pleasantly surprised! Don’t let stress in the workplace slowly eat away your life.

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Source by Mulyadi Kurnia