Mark is a 27 years old management executive, working in a globally recognized firm, has climbed the ladder of success with lots of hard work and effort. Being among the top performers, Mark is the most sought after name in his firm, for handling the challenging projects of the firm. Recently, Mark was given some crucial projects by the senior board of directors. Obviously, Mark did his best, he tried to balance his long hours of work and the extra stress at the workplace, but somewhere he lost the delicate balance between his work and life. His performance deteriorated and the company had to suffer serious losses. Luckily, since Mark was a top performer, the firm managed the losses and gave him another chance. Mark zeroed in on his problems and it was after a brief chat with his psychologist friend, that Mark identified the stress that was plaguing him and then learned how to deal with stress at work. Few months later, results were evident and Mark was back with his great performance.
The above story is a hint at one of the most common issues, that the new age employees have to bear at some phase of their career. The dynamics of professional working has changed to a large extent, since the liberalized economy came into existence. Job stress is now prevalent in almost every industry. According to the health reports of The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a branch of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it had warned organizations and workers that long term stress may have a disastrous effect on the health of the workers and this may be counter-productive for the growth of the firm. It has advised the firms to follow certain guidelines that preserve the occupational health of the workers and keeps them stress free. If the employee is not aware of how to deal with work related stress, then he/she may show some physical or psychological health problems. How to deal with stress at the workplace is not a difficult task. It is a fact that a suitable amount of stress is necessary for the mind and body, to stimulate them and help the worker to perform his best. This is the positive effect of stress. However, stress also has negative dimensions and that can be a problem to the employee, who is unable to manage stress at workplace. It is not easy for a few employees to understand how to deal with work stress, as different individuals have varied tolerance levels.
How to Deal With Stress At Work: Tips
How to deal with stress in the workplace; this question can be answered when we analyze the root cause of the problem that is causing the stress. I have mentioned some tips on how to deal with stress at work.
Identify the Problem
First of all, understand the problem and identify it. Recognizing stress is the first step you can take in order to eliminate it. This involves understanding the symptoms that are affecting you. Depression, erratic mood swings or simple irritation and loss of interest in your personal life are some of the symptoms of stress due to work. Relax and just think about it, you will get the answer.
Relax and Learn To De-stress
Stress does not strike you immediately, instead it gathers slowly and gradually, and bursts out on you with sudden mood swings and health problems. So, the best way to deal with stress in the workplace, is to take frequent breaks. Now don't confuse breaks with idle time. When you feel you are getting stressed out or burned out, just go out for a short walk or listen to some soft music. If your workplace ethics do not allow you to do these things, then just close your eyes and relax. Stress is more of a mind game, so frequently keep telling your mind and understand the signals it sends out to you.
A simple coffee break or talking to the colleagues can just make you feel better. Even if you can just sit silently and give yourself a break from the work, it works. If time allows, a power nap of ten minutes isn't a bad idea. Another idea is to ask for a couple of days of leave from your employer, so that you can rejuvenate and come back with a new vigor and enthusiasm at your work. The reason should be genuine and you must convey it to the employer. If your stress is taking a toll on your health, then better be fit and then return to work. Carry your favorite books, read them to relax or when getting stressed, pen down your thoughts! It would be a sort of catharsis, wherein you release the negative energy building inside your mind. Last but not the least, try to understand the limits of your body and mind and adhere to them. This does not mean that you can't push yourself an extra mile, it only means, just find your balance! Nobody else can do that for you!
Yoga and Meditation
Exercises have a magical effect on the psyche. It's a scientific fact that mental stress is reduced drastically in the people that follow healthy living techniques. Yoga and meditation have been known to offer a unique solution to the modern age stress. Nothing is more important than your health, so be responsible for it.
Talk to Your Seniors
Well, we all at some time, feel pissed off at the targets and the deadlines of our work. But the fact is, that stress will always be, and we can't avoid it. However, firms and organizations don't blindly set targets for you. They train you and then give you targets. So, at the core, you must be ready to learn the necessary skills instead of regretting later. If you feel certain projects or tasks need assistance and help of seniors, then don't hesitate in talking to them. Right communication among employees fosters a unity and understanding in the company. Talking out your problems with your seniors is not a bad idea, unless your concerns are genuine and based on facts. A good rapport with your seniors will help you learn from their experiences and they will also feel happy to guide in the tough projects. They may even help you in increasing the team members, so that the task is broken out into small sub tasks. If you have ethical issues inherent with the workplace stress, then it's the right time to talk to your team leaders and tell them your problems.
Smiling Costs Nothing
It's logical that you can't keep a cheerful face all the time, especially when meeting deadlines, but still, trying to maintain a positive attitude and keeping the spirits of the team members high can elevate the mood of the entire team. Remember, humor is the best medicine ever invented and a simple way to de-stress.
It is to be remembered that removing stress completely in today's fast paced life is not possible, however, it is possible that we evolve and develop a lifestyle that is natural and healthy. This way, we can tackle the stress at work with full ease. If required, counseling from psychologists and life coaches must be taken. Be cheerful, make good friends at your workplace and keep your professional and personal lives separate. Though, it's not always easy, but still, the motto should be to 'try, try and try, until you succeed'.
By Kundan Pandey
