How do you manage stress at work?
You can manage and reduce your workplace stress. And you can learn the techniques needed to thrive in your work environment.
What are some of the signs of workplace stress?
Occupational stress is one of the primary forms of stress affecting adults today. Any working person has felt stress at one time or another. Some stress is normal, and not always a bad thing.
But like all things, too much stress is never good. Chronic stress in the workplace is unhealthy, and will likely worsen unless addressed. You may have chronic stress if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Apathy (loss of interest in your work)
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches or stomach aches
- Coping mechanisms (food, drugs, alcohol)
You want to control these symptoms, and be successful in the workplace. But the symptoms of stress don’t come out of nowhere. There are always stressors that contribute to the problem.
Many aspects of work can trigger stress. Depending on your position, you may have little control over your work. It may be exhausting in its difficulty, or possibly boring. You may have a poor relationship with your coworkers and boss, and worry about being laid off. Or maybe your overtime hours have increased, and you have more responsibilities than ever on your shoulders, with no increase in job satisfaction.
Of course, responsibility is something to be valued. But if you are under constant demand to fulfill too many tasks at your top level of performance on a daily basis, for not enough pay… stress is inevitable.
Over time, stress can lead to burnout. And burnout can lead to anxiety and depression, or other mental health issues. Even physical health problems like heart disease have been linked to high levels of stress.
Managing stress in the workplace - Can I leave work because of stress?
Finding tools to reduce stress can have a great impact on your mental health. Therapy is the ideal environment to identify the stressors that affect you most at work. And once you’ve identified them, you can actively work through them.
You will learn how to take time for yourself. Work-life separation is essential. In order to be at your best in the workplace, you need to take time outside of work to relax and take care of yourself. Even with a busy schedule, taking time to unwind is crucial.
You will learn to implement coping mechanisms, such as physical activity and healthy eating. This doesn’t need to entirely change your routine. But even adding in a half hour of exercise per day will go a long way to improving your physical and mental state.
And you will learn how to change your mindset at work. Acknowledge negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Be realistic about your limits. And practice mindfulness, being present in the moment.
Of course, some common stressors like low pay or too much overtime are outside of your direct control.
In those cases, reach out to your employer about your concerns. If the work environment is unhealthy, they have a responsibility to make the necessary changes.
We will help you identify when that conversation needs to take place, and how to navigate it. The goal is for you to reach a point where you are satisfied and fulfilled by your work, without being consumed by stress. This is attainable, and we will help you advocate for yourself to reach that point.
Our Expert Clinicians
Therapists and Coaches who work with clients experiencing Occupational Stress and related issues.
Here’s what to expect when you work with us:
Free Phone Consult:
At Bricolage, we extend a free 15-minute phone consultation to make sure we are a good fit to work together. We will discuss what your goals are, explain what therapy will look like, and how your life will be different after working with us. By the end of this call, you will have
a clear idea of your next steps.
Initial Session:
Your first meeting with your therapist will be between 60 and 70 minutes and will allow the two of you to begin to build a relationship.
You will go over the information you provided before this initial session as well as dive into all of the elements of your story. Throughout
this appointment, you and your therapist will work as a team to create your action plan.
Weekly Sessions:
Once you and your therapist begin to work deeply together, you will experience a type of treatment that has been completely tailored
to you and your needs. Your therapist will take keen notice of where you are in your wellness journey and ensure that the exercises you complete in session will bring you a sense of comfort and peace as you move forward.
Completion of Goals
As a team, you and your therapist will continue to evaluate your progress and growth. Eventually, the two of you will recognize that you
are responding to stressors more effectively and that weekly therapy might no longer be necessary. At this point you can choose to come to session less often and together you will decide what level of support you need for the future.
