Almost 80% of workers experience workplace stress, and nearly half say that they need help learning how to deal with it. It affects a person’s work performance and can also impact their mental health and reduce job satisfaction. And everyone can experience workplace stress in the office hierarchy, from the Directors and CEOs to the janitorial staff. It is a common phenomenon and may stem from concerns like lack of control, pressure to meet deadlines and perform well over time, and fear of being laid off. If you’re trying to improve your work performance but are finding it difficult to do so due to stress, then continue reading to find out ways to efficiently deal with workplace stress.
A stressful morning is often the start of a stressful and hectic day ahead. To ensure that your day goes well, try to make sure your morning is pleasant. You can do that by getting adequate sleep so that you wake up feeling fresh. Lack of sleep usually makes a person cranky and irritable, which they might take out on co-workers, souring relations between them. A proper breakfast is also important and can uplift your mood compared to going to work on an empty stomach after gulping down a cup of coffee. Plan your journey to the office so that you don’t meet any excess traffic and keep a positive outlook for the day ahead.
To avoid any unnecessary stress, it is best to know your priorities and tasks requiring immediate and utmost attention. Invest all your time and attention on them instead of overexerting yourself and doing more than what is expected of you. It’s better to do a few tasks properly instead of doing several tasks sloppily. This helps prevent burnout as you know exactly what is expected of you and are clear about the requirements. So you can invest just the right amount of time and effort that is needed.
It can be quite boring to do the same task repeatedly. Not only is it repetitive and mentally tiring, but it also decreases job satisfaction. Try to diversify your job role to not feel bored or burnt out. Learn new on-the-job skills and take on different roles to maintain your interest and provide more value addition to the organization.
If you feel like it’s getting increasingly difficult for you to concentrate and work efficiently, then take a much-needed break. Take some time to have a hearty and healthy meal that fills you up and gives you the energy to continue your work. Avoid nicotine as it is a powerful stimulant and can increase your stress levels instead of lowering them. Don’t sit behind your office desk for long periods. Walk around for a bit, do some meditation and take small breaks to stretch in between to maintain your physical activity levels and relax both the mind and body. If you find it difficult to cope with workplace stress, confide in a co-worker. Or you can seek help from a professional to guide you about how you can go about planning your day and dividing up your responsibilities so that you can have a productive workday without feeling too exhausted. Educate employees about stress management too so that they can work efficiently and experience maximum job satisfaction, reducing their chances of switching over to other companies. Workplace stress can be detrimental to both the mind and body if not dealt with properly, so work on yourself today.
