One of the hardest forms of stress to avoid is workplace stress. After all, you need to go to work and there are plenty of things to worry about once you get there. However, that does not mean that workplace stress is unavoidable. Just like other kinds of stress, there are ways to manage workplace stress and there are ways to avoid it. Maybe you cannot avoid it entirely, but that is no reason not to try.
Workplace stress usually takes the form of everything needing to get done right now. You know the situation, there are a dozen things on your plate and they all need attention, but there are only so many hours in the day and you cannot attend to everything all at once. On top of that, the boss is breathing down your neck, asking you where the report/plan/program is and he also has a pile of other tasks for you once you finish that. It is a never-ending cycle, but it can be managed.
The first thing you need to do to avoid workplace stress is to focus on one task at a time. Do not try to multi-task, as it jars your system. Switching gears between projects does make demands on your brain and it takes a moment to change your thoughts from one place to another. Instead, if you focus on one project, you can keep your thoughts and energy in one place, preventing you from having to shift gears too often.
However, the big problem with trying to keep your focus is your coworkers. They will always be asking you for a quick minute or they will want you to answer their question, or they will want you to come over and help them on something. Try to deflect these as much as possible, as these can distract your focus. Thus, you must learn to say, "no." This is a highly effective word, though you may want to change it to, "No, not right now," or, "As soon as I am done with this." These little phrases can at least buy you some time to finish what you are doing, then switch comfortably to the needs of your coworkers.
There is another cause of workplace stress that can also cause you all manner of difficulty and that is when your concentration runs out. Oftentimes, you may find yourself focusing on the same page or the same computer screen for minutes at a time and you still have no idea what it is supposed to mean. This is not good, as it means that you are not being effective, your brain has shut down and the deadline is looming over you and you just need to get through this. Your best plan at this point is to walk away from your desk. Get up, get a cup of coffee (but not too often, as caffeine can heighten stress), go to the bathroom, anything. Walk the corridors for a minute or two and clear the cobwebs. This is highly effective both for ensuring that you are getting work done and for keeping workplace stress to a minimum.
Another way to prevent workplace stress is to learn some desk exercises. These can be simply squeezing a stress ball, or performing a few stretches while you are at your desk. By working your muscles at your desk, you can improve your circulation and help your keep alert and aware at work. Obviously, you are not going to get a full body workout while you are pecking at a keyboard, but it can help you at least keep your mind focused.
Finally, while you are at work you should examine your environment to see if it is right for you. How is the noise level? Is your desk set up properly? Are you comfortable? Is everything set up so that it is ergonomically correct? Your body needs to be comfortable if you want to work without distraction and distractions can lead to workplace stress. Thus, your work area needs to be set up for you. Take care of the little things around you and you will be able to work confidently and work well.
Workplace stress is, in many ways, part of working. However, by managing workplace stress properly, you can at least keep it to a minimum. And by doing that, work will be much more pleasant and you will be much more productive. So take care of yourself and the area around you and workplace stress will not control your day.
Trevor Dumbleton is the owner of http://www.loweryourstress.com/ a categorized resource directory for everything to do with stress.
disinfecting cleaning services Winnetka ..One question that is not asked enough by people under... Read More
Probably the least appreciated form of stress is college stress.... Read More
10 Ways to Monitor Corporate Stress LevelsGood military leaders work... Read More
Everyone experiences stress at some point in their life. In... Read More
Picture the following scene:It's Sunday evening, the weekend is winding... Read More
Do you have the desire for a stress free life?... Read More
One of the hardest forms of stress to avoid is... Read More
It was one of the first words you learned to... Read More
Stress, America's #1 health problem, is a leading cause of... Read More
We function at our best when we are free from... Read More
For those who are suffering from stress, just about the... Read More
Caring for a chronically ill loved one can be one... Read More
Most humans experience unexpected setbacks which can cause huge stress... Read More
Q. I have just recently come to recognize that I... Read More
We've all experienced it-computerized technology that doesn't function properly. PCs... Read More
Often, in today's fast paced world, we forget to take... Read More
The moment I read the story I'm about to share... Read More
Many people recognise the warning signs that stress may be... Read More
As we celebrate yet another Labor Day, I thought it... Read More
Stress is normal. Stress is OK. Stress is the same... Read More
No need to go spend money at a spa! There... Read More
Do you attack problems and solve them or do you... Read More
1. Take a relaxing bath. Add music, candles and a... Read More
Get at least 15 minutes of sunshine daily.Daily Exercise -... Read More
We all know what it feels like to have our... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..When was the last time you took a day just... Read More
This is a tool to measure the amount of stress... Read More
Every day we are faced with a situation where our... Read More
Do you get out of your car with a queasy... Read More
26 ways to minimize and manage the unhealthy effects of... Read More
In the fast-paced world that we live in today, it... Read More
Something the successful business person needs is - lots of... Read More
It was one of the first words you learned to... Read More
What part of no don't you understand? - Bumper stickerThe... Read More
A little stress is good for us until it becomes... Read More
In his book, The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness, author... Read More
IntroductionTime magazine called stress the "The Epidemic of the Eighties".... Read More
If you have recently lost health insurance coverage through your... Read More
In the body, the stress response is mediated by the... Read More
Stress is the nastiest 4 letter word you ever met.... Read More
Q: What is Stress?A: Very basically it is the physical,... Read More
Feeling stressed? Who isn't!! In today's society, feeling "stressed out,"... Read More
Every woman needs her own personal space for relaxation, not... Read More
Rest.It's a good thing to do. As the story goes,... Read More
Rhodiola Rosea is the latest natural remedy to join the... Read More
I'm sure you have heard of IBS, irritable bowel syndrome,... Read More
?And holding it way down inside you like an old... Read More
Stress can affect virtually any part of the body and... Read More
All people experience stress and anxiety in one form or... Read More
Is your stress level higher than it should be? Are... Read More
Stress Management |