Many job advertisements sometimes come with this strange requirement: the ability to work under pressure. However, many people do not realize the implication until they find themselves in such an environment. Most jobs these days come with a high level of work stress, no matter what your love for such a job.
One might be pressured to meet the deadline, close a sale deal, win over a client, etc. At times, work stress can become chronic, too much for physical and mental health.
Sadly, many people find themselves victims of long-term stress. While many things can be a potential source of stress (family, relationship, economy, weather), many people have cited work as a leading source.
Even though one cannot avoid the tension that comes with work stress, one can equip oneself with essential skills to navigate work stress. Here are recommended tips to handle work stress:
Take Vacations
One of the most effective ways to reduce work stress is staying away from work and everything that reminds you of work. In other words, taking some time off and having fun with family or doing something you love can reduce work stress.
When you go on vacation, you benefit from meditation as your entire senses come alive, admiring your new environment. It presents a valuable opportunity to relax, gain perspective, and better handle work stress.
However, a report states that almost 42% of Americans do not take vacations. However, the benefit of vacation encompasses both physical and mental health, according to studies.
Consider Vaping
As long as the regulation of your workspace is not against it, consider vaping as a means to reduce workspace stress.
THC can reduce stress and equip the body to handle whatever stressor you might expect when introduced to the body at low doses. Even the process of breathing in and out can calm your nerves. So, take a time out, and blow some vapor with your THC vape pen.
Improve Habitat
Many stressors are present in our environment. Take time to observe every part of your office space about your wellness. Simple things like the photocopy machine or coffee machine location can influence an employee’s comfort.
Consider adding an indoor plant to your workspace. The greenery can also induce relaxation that will help beat work stress. Also, introducing an avenue for relaxation like a table tennis corner or whatever can allow workers to take their minds off work for a while is good. Whatever minute change that increases enjoyment at work will go a long way to reducing stress.
Have a Work-Life Balance
The American Psychological Association defined work-life balance as the ability to manage the demands of family and work successfully. In other words, one needs to develop effective coping strategies that are realistic, sustainable, and feasible. Maintaining the perfect work-life balance might be difficult for many people. However, one way to navigate this is to structure and prioritize your task such that achieving your goal becomes possible. Besides, reducing time spent on social media can also help with such balance.
A healthy balance between work and personal life can reduce work stress and improve efficiency and overall quality of life. Also, ensure you do not take work or anything related to work home if you are not working remotely.
Consider Flexible Work Schedules
Coping with work when an aged parent or toddler needs your attention can be challenging. Having a flexible work arrangement will go a long way for people in this situation to help them structure their time. This way, they can adjust their schedule to take care of their loved ones and will not interfere with their obligations at work.
If working from home will not affect your productivity, consider it. Many people in different lines of the job never realized they would find themselves working from home, but the COVID pandemic made it a reality. Try to use modern communication tools like Google Meet, Hangout, etc.
Avoid Perfectionism
While perfectionism will make you feel good about yourself, with a high ability to achieve your goal, it can also create issues for you and the people you work with. Without any doubt, perfectionism has a couple of benefits. Doing everything ideally might not always be possible. This is even true in a busy and fast-paced environment. However, it is a ticket to stress and can set the stage for burnout.
Rather than being a perfectionist, focus on giving your best at work and giving yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. Also, avoid beating yourself up when things don’t go as planned.
Prioritize Comfort
Unknown to many people, physical discomfort, especially at work, can lead to stress. This has to do with the nature of your work environment – chair, desk, lighting, etc. Your work chair might be uncomfortable, leading to stress and setting the stage for backache. The physical discomfort from such an uncomfortable chair can predispose you to stress. Sadly, many people might not associate the chair with trees.
Something as insignificant as office noise can serve as a distraction that could trigger subtle frustration. As a result, try and create a comfortable and quiet workspace that will aid your efficiency.
Conclusion
Work stress can affect your productivity and efficiency at work. However, you can equip yourself with the skills needed to reduce work stress. These seven tips will go a long way to help you overcome work stress.
