Are you feeling stressed out at work? Workplace stress can impact your personal life — not just your productivity. Here’s what you need to know about managing workplace stress.
Why Does Workplace Stress Happen?
Workplace stress can happen for a variety of reasons. Everyday stressors at work include:
- Challenging or work that doesn’t get you engaged
- Lack of control
- Low salaries
- Too much work with unrealistic deadlines
- Feeling stuck in your career with little to no room for growth
- Stressful responsibilities — or not enough education and support to handle those responsibilities
- Workplace conflicts with colleagues or managers
- Unclear expectations from your bosses
When left untreated, workplace stress can lead to burnout in some people.
How to Manage Workplace Stress: 5 Tips and Strategies
1. Meditate In The Morning Before Work
Starting the day with a calming meditation can help you clear your mind and set your intentions for the day. While it won’t solve whatever is stressing you out at work, it can help you feel more prepared to tackle the upcoming challenges.
Try these 7-morning meditations to start your day off on the right foot!
2. Steer Clear of Workplace Conflict When Possible
Do some of your colleagues tend to get into personal conflicts at work? While it can be tempting to get involved or gossip in the workplace, avoiding interpersonal conflict can help you draw the line between your work and your personal life.
3. Clarify Expectations
Vague assignments and expectations can take their toll on your mental health, especially if you’re constantly uncertain about the implications of your work.
If you’re confused about their expectations of you, don’t hesitate to ask for more clarity from your manager. Voice your concerns and specify that not knowing the expected outcomes will make it difficult for you to attain those outcomes.
4. Move During Your Breaks
Evacuate some stress during your breaks and lunchtime by going for a walk or performing other gentle exercises. Movement can help you release stress, but it’s also great for your physical health and will help you counter the effects of a sedentary job if you work at a desk.
5. Ask For Help
A recent study showed that people who had support from their social circles experienced less workplace stress than those who didn’t. If you have people you can rely on in your life, don’t hesitate to ask for help and tell your loved ones what types of support you need (even if all you need is someone to listen while you vent!).
Talking to a partner or friend about mental health can be challenging, but it can make a huge difference in your workplace stress. And if you don’t have a reliable social circle, make sure to read our recent post about developing healthy friendships.
Finally, remember that the law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for mental health. Don’t hesitate to speak to your employer about your mental health if you struggle to manage workplace stress on your own.
Try the BetterSleep app to implement a morning and evening stress-relieving routine with meditations, calming sounds, breathing exercises, and more.
