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.
after renovation cleaning Glenview ..First, let's make a distinction between pressure and stress. We... Read More
"Watch your language."We all heard this admonition as kids and... Read More
It has long been suggested that "music soothes the savage... Read More
Don't let stress wear you down. Next time you are... Read More
Recently I completed some new workshop engagements in addition to... Read More
Q: We recently had someone come to our company to... Read More
In order to understand stress better, it is a good... Read More
When September rolls around, does it generally hit you like... Read More
It is very true that, unfortunately, many people look to... Read More
The moment I read the story I'm about to share... Read More
"One day I'm a mother, One day I'm a lover,... Read More
Preparing for sleep the night before is the place to... Read More
Life is funny.Throughout the day, there are plenty of humorous... Read More
Do you feel stress at work? Do you carry your... Read More
1)Excessive worryNo, I'm not saying "don't worry, be happy."Well-used worry... Read More
Life would be so wonderful if it weren't for other... Read More
Tough leaders are usually seen as ogres. Their exacting demands... Read More
What is Stress?Stress may be defined as the three-way relationship... Read More
Q. Help! I moved from the Dallas to Denver. I... Read More
Often, in today's fast paced world, we forget to take... Read More
What would you say if I told you I know... Read More
The main problem in a down economy is that workplaces... Read More
The brain uses feel-good transmitters called endorphins when managing daily... Read More
This summer, get away, without going away. Take a mini... Read More
Many of my readers write to me about the tensions... Read More
no-contract cleaning service Lincolnshire ..When something happens in our lives, we automatically assess the... Read More
Success in recovery, or rather, staying in recovery, is dependent... Read More
Q: "My career, though very very stressful, is one that... Read More
There is one sure fire medicine that cures all difficulty... Read More
What do you think of when you see that word?... Read More
Don't wait to have a life-threatening disease to learn what... Read More
If you are an anxiety and panic sufferer, then you've... Read More
While free-lancing for business magazines, I was assigned to write... Read More
Panic.Heart racing. Palms sweating. Breathing rapid and shallow. Mouth dry.... Read More
Life is funny.Throughout the day, there are plenty of humorous... Read More
Stress can affect virtually any part of the body and... Read More
Something the successful business person needs is - lots of... Read More
Statistics show that all of us experience stress at one... Read More
Anyone who has ever worked knows that stress is part... Read More
Many people recognise the warning signs that stress may be... Read More
There are times in every person's life when things do... Read More
Perhaps you've heard of the 80/20 rule, but don't know... Read More
Have you been feeling so stressful and almost losing your... Read More
Too much driving, too much shopping, too much rushing around,... Read More
Most of us lead busy lives, trying to successfully juggle... Read More
Tough leaders are usually seen as ogres. Their exacting demands... Read More
David Bowie once sang, "Ch-ch-changes, tryin' to face the strain."And... Read More
Statistics tell us that more people have migraine headaches on... Read More
"One day I'm a mother, One day I'm a lover,... Read More
But how can this happen to someone?Let's concentrate on how... Read More
Stress Management |