Stress is personal; what motivates you, could drive your colleague or friend over the edge. High-stress jobs – like paramedic response or fire-fighting – may suit someone who function best on high adrenalin, while for someone else, a steady, controlled work environment might bring out the best in them.
Are you experiencing any of these stress symptoms?
Some pressure at work may be motivating, but when it becomes too much it may end in work-related stress, which can show up as any of the following symptoms:
- You struggle to fall or stay asleep
- You have an upset stomach
- Your mouth is dry
- You experience heart palpitations
- You get odd aches and pains
- You suffer from headaches
- You’ve experienced a loss of appetite
- You libido /sex drive is suffering or non-existent
Stress busting tips
Here are 6 steps that you can use to manage stress:
1. Say no!
The first step is knowing how to say no. Work out how long it will take to deal with your current workload. If you can’t take on any more work, say so. Outline your reasons in a measurable and specific way, but always offer a solution. Remember, by taking on too much, you could end up doing nothing well.
2. Plan your day!
You can eliminate a lot of stress by planning your day by listing your priorities and managing your time. A daily to-do list is a life-saver; prioritise it according to those things you must do, those you would like to do, and those that can wait. Make sure you slot in some time for interruptions and random tasks.
3. Do a reality check
When you’re under pressure, take moment to check that your thoughts aren’t just adding to the stress: are you imagining a worst-case-scenario? Keep it real – chances are, whatever the outcome, that it won’t be the end of your world.
4. Take a break
That tea-break, taking five minutes to chat to one of your colleagues, stopping every hour to stretch your shoulders and stand up for a moment – all of these actions will help you to get rid of some of the stress.
5. Talk about it
Talk to your partner or a friend outside of work about whatever’s causing you stress at work. Often, they will help you to put things into perspective and to find coping mechanism when you feel overwhelmed.
6. Take a deep breath
Controlled breathing not only keeps the mind and body functioning at their best, it can also lower blood pressure, promote feelings of calm and relaxation and help you destress.
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Stress – Watch out for these symptoms