One of the biggest sources of anxiety and fear is work stress and it usually falls into four categories:
- Work overload
- Difficult co-workers
- Demanding bosses
- Fear and uncertainty about these tough economic times
Don’t despair, there really are things you can do to relieve work stress. Most of them are easy enough you can start today and begin seeing results immediately.
Overloaded And Overwhelmed
If your workload is making you feel overwhelmed, the first step is to examine your schedule. Does your schedule reflect what you want to accomplish? Take time to ask yourself what you want to accomplish for the day or week and why you want to do them? Then see if a change your routine or rearrange your schedule allows you to focus your time on your objectives and you’ll have more time in the day to get the job done.
Perhaps there are some tasks you can eliminate or spend less time on (tasks that are not related to the objectives you want to accomplish). You can also see if you can delegate or outsource some of your tasks so that you can focus more of your time on your objectives.
If you’re still feeling swamped, you’ll want to speak to your boss. Communication is the key to working things out and finding a way to lighten your load.
Co-Workers Who Don’t See Eye to Eye
There are always going to be difficult co-workers at every job. It’s something you’ll face no matter where you work. Even if there’s someone who is just a pain to deal with for one reason or another, you don’t have to let it stress you out.
If you have a co-worker that’s continually trying to ruffle your feathers, confront the issue. You may want to do this with your boss present as to avoid any chance the difficult co-worker can turn on you or say things that didn’t really happen. If the problem still continues, however, and you simply can’t ignore it any longer, see if you can get moved to a different department or area. If not, then I suggest overwhelming the difficult co-worker with kindness. When you turn the other cheek, so to speak, the offender will usually back off eventually and leave you alone or better yet, befriend you. Either way you get the desired results.
A Boss Who Rules With An Iron Fist
Okay, what do you do when your boss is demanding? Remember, your boss is your boss and it’s usually not wise to come across in a confrontational manner. However, you can try talking to them in a peaceful, non-confrontational tone.
To do this, schedule a meeting ahead of time and write out your thoughts. This will help you state your case and stay on topic. Stick to the issues and the issues only. Never place blame or come across as if you know better than your boss. This kind of talk could only lead to a worse situation, if not get you fired.
However, if speaking your mind doesn’t seem to make your boss any less demanding, then you’ll have to let it roll off your back. Easier said than done, I know. But, it can be done with determination and effort.
Questioning Your Future
Right now, probably the biggest cause of stress in the workplace is fear of uncertainty in these tough economic times. Even if you’ve done everything to ensure your position at your company, like increasing your value as an employee, there are still no guarantees in this economy.
So, what can you do to help relieve some of the stress and fear?
One thing you can do is start preparing for the future. Perhaps you could start taking classes at your local community college to learn a new skill or trade. Or start dreaming about what the future would look like if you didn’t need to work at your current workplace. What else might you be doing or experiencing and what would you need to do get there?
You could also start building an online business. Even though the economy is struggling, online businesses are booming. If you make crafts or jewelry, or you’re artsy, you can start selling items on eBay or open an Etsy shop. There are many ways you can begin securing your future now. All it takes is a little research and planning.
Let it Go! Release Your Frustration
The best way to relieve work related stress is to work out regularly. Getting regular exercise helps relieve stress of any sort, but especially work related stress. If you don’t belong to a gym, begin working out at home. It costs nothing to walk for 15 minutes. Going for brisk walks regularly also greatly reduces stress.
Top 5 Work Stress Relieving Strategies
- Examine your schedule, delegate, outsource, or talk to your boss when you’re overloaded.
- Talk to a difficult co-worker or kill them with kindness.
- Communicate with your boss when he’s too demanding.
- Prepare for the future when you fear losing your job.
- Work out regularly at home or at the gym.
Stress has become a part of your everyday life, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By incorporating these strategies, you can overcome the major causes of stress in your workplace in no time!
