My Job Is Too Stressful: 7 Effective Methods to Tackle Stress at Work

October 1 2019 - If you are currently in the workforce, it's likely that you have had days where you've thought to yourself "my job is too stressful". This is a common experience to have, especially in today's high-productivity focused world.

In fact, 65% of people say that their work is a significant source of stress. Being under a constant state of stress can cause more than just mental strain and can actually be detrimental to your health. So it's important that you learn how to combat these stressful times.

And although many people seek to simply find a less stressful job, sometimes this is easier said than done. So a more full-proof solution to this problem is learning how to properly deal with stress.

Want to learn more? Keep reading for 7 effective methods at tackling work-related stress.

Get Comfortable

Many don't realize how much being physically uncomfortable can lead to feelings of stress. If you are sitting in an unpleasant chair all day, you're probably going home with a sore back and shoulders.

This can affect your quality of sleep and also your overall mindset. It can be hard to shake off stress if you're in discomfort. A great way to combat this is to stretch regularly or seek massage therapy to relieve your aches and pains.

These experts can help rid your body of stress, tension, and discomfort so that you'll feel more comfortable during your day.

Starting Your Day Off Right

The first part of your morning really sets the tone for the rest of the day. Try to make sure you aren't feeling rushed every morning. Fighting morning traffic because you've only given yourself a small window of time to make it to work is a sure-fire way to be stressed all-day.

Instead, give yourself enough time not only to avoid being rushed but also to ensure you are doing something for yourself before heading off to work.

Whether this is eating a healthy breakfast, spending a few moments outside with a cup of coffee, or maybe listening to an inspirational podcast, it's important you feel like you've been taken care of before reaching your job.

Establish Clear Work Requirements

One of the biggest work-related stressors is not knowing exactly what's expected of you. This can lead to false assumptions or time spent stressing over whether you are doing a good job.

If you feel like you're unclear on what is being expected of you, talk to your supervisor and establish your working requirements. Removing the game of guessing will give you more time to focus on the job at hand and will take away time spent worrying over your productivity.

Communicate With Your Supervisor

When speaking with your supervisor about your requirements, don't be afraid to also mention you've been feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. A good supervisor understands that employee mental health is essential to doing good work.

Try to come up with strategies together for ways you can tackle your tasks and avoid drowning in stress. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss stressors you're feeling in your working environment and collectively figure out how to handle them.

Your supervisor will understand and appreciate you coming to them with the mindset of searching for a solution instead of falling behind due to not communicating.

Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness outside of the workspace can be a great way to combat your stress. Maybe try to get outside and take a walk during your lunch break. Or start practicing yoga or meditation for 30 mins at the end of your workday.

Mindfulness can look different for everyone, but it's important that you give yourself time to quiet your mind and focus on your wellbeing. You can even download mindfulness apps to help bring your attention to the present moment and get your mind off worrying about what's going on at work.

Avoid Work Conflict

Interpersonal conflict at work can take a huge toll on your emotional state of mind. And many people cite this as a main work-related stressor. Try your best to avoid engaging in this type of conflict when possible.

Of course, sometimes conflict can't be avoided but you can remove yourself from these situations by choosing not to engage. Avoid gossiping with coworkers or over-sharing about your personal life. If you notice you have a coworker who doesn't work particularly well with others, try to avoid interacting with them.

By cutting out the work drama, you'll have less to worry about and more time actually being productive.

Forget Multitasking and Perfectionism

We often think that being a perfectionist or being a good multitasker are good qualities to boost your productivity levels. In reality, these traits often lead to higher levels of stress and wasted time spent dwelling on unnecessary details.

When you are multitasking too much, you will likely end your day feeling frazzled or like you didn't actually complete anything. Instead, try tackling your tasks one at a time so you are able to cross them off your list.

It's also important to realize that you can't do everything perfectly. And no one expects you to. So don't waste your time and energy fretting over every last detail. Instead, just strive to do your best and reward yourself when you've done a great job.

Stop Thinking "My Job Is Too Stressful"

By practicing these simple stress-reducing methods, you'll be able to stop thinking "my job is too stressful". And instead, be able to think "I can handle this".

Just remember to give yourself the time you need and don't be scared to speak up or seek help if you're feeling overwhelmed. By making these small changes not only will you feel less stressed, but you will also feel more successful and in control.

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