Stressed Out: Top Tips For Managing Work Stress
Stressed Out: Top Tips For Managing Work Stress
By Lilly Croucher
As the UK lost 17 million working days to work-related stress last year, more and more workers are seeing stress and anxiety taking over their lives. Here we have created a guide to recognising the signs of stress and revealed our top tips to maintain a healthy mindset at work.
We’ve all experienced some level of stress at work; whether it’s your phone blowing up, streams of emails or tight deadlines, all of this can all make for a stressful work environment, but how do you know when it’s getting too much?
Chronic work stress is becoming increasingly common, with over 914,000 workers in Great Britain reportedly suffering from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2021/2022, according to the Labour Force Survey.
Of the hundreds of thousands of employees suffering from work stress, nearly half (452,000) believe it was caused or made worst by the pandemic.
It is important to be able to recognise the signs of work stress, which if left can impact your mental and physical health and possibly lead to burnout (see our previous article on burnout).
Work stress symptoms
· Fatigue
· Sleep disturbances
· Low energy
· Eating more/ less
· Headaches
· Fast heart rate
· Sweating
· Low self-esteem
· Gastric problems
· Low sex drive
· Anxiety
· Low mood
If you are feeling several of the symptoms over a long period, then you may be experiencing chronic stress. But rest assured because we have created our top tips for dealing with stress at work.
Recognise the signs of stress
As well as being aware of the common symptoms, note how stress affects you. What are your triggers? The more aware you are of what causes you stress, the better you will be able to tackle it before it gets too much.
Note down your stresses
Write down what the main stresses have been that day and how you feel about them. This will allow you to see patterns and you can begin to find solutions.
Take breaks
It is important to take breaks from work to rest and recharge. Try to take short breaks throughout the day by stretching, walking around, grabbing a drink, listening to music or even just changing your environment can promote focus and calm.
Practice relaxation techniques
Several relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Find a technique that works for you and make it a part of your daily routine.
Exercise and eat well
It is said again and again, but it works. Exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce stress and improve overall physical and mental health as well as increase energy levels. Limit the amount of sugar and caffeine you consume early in the morning to avoid energy crashes later.
Set boundaries
Set boundaries with your work by establishing a clear work schedule and sticking to it. Make sure to take time off when needed and try not to bring work home with you.
Stay organized
Keeping your work organized can help reduce stress and improve productivity. Make lists, prioritize tasks, and create a system for staying organized.
Set realistic goals
Don’t try to take on more than you can handle. Set realistic goals for yourself, short, mid, and long term. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Talk to your manager
If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed at work, it is important to communicate this with your manager and colleagues. Approach the subject from a solution perspective so you can arrive at a resolution with your manager.
Seek support
Don’t try to deal with work-related stress alone. Seek support from colleagues, friends, and family, or consider talking to a professional who can help manage stress by using different strategies.
For more support or advice on stress check out:
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