Career-ology

This is a guest post by Ryan Rivera from CalmClinic.com.

One way or another, work can get to us. Stress in the workplace is a common experience among professionals at all levels of their career, so don’t feel too bad when you finally feel it. It’s easy to get bogged down by the pressure and the deadlines. It’s also unnerving to have to deal with office politics or the feeling of being overworked, underpaid or underemployed. Every professional must know how to deal with workplace stress so it will not get in the way of their productivity and progress. We all have our own ways of coping with stress, but first, we have to recognize what causes it.

How to know whether you are stressed at work?

It is important to recognize when you are feeling stressed, so you can monitor your reactions.  Even if you don’t notice, a co-worker might bring it up or call your attention to it, especially when your behavior affects impacts others.  Lack of focus and concentration at work is one sign. Loss of interest at work may another indicator. Irritability, depression, muscle pain and headaches can also occur.

There are many causes of stress at work. Anxiety causes stress as well, so if you have worries about not meeting deadlines, not living up to expectations, or being laid off, you can become overwhelmed. Fatigue can also set in, and you might have trouble sleeping. Eventually, you might become apathetic to your work and colleagues. These are signs that you should deal with your workplace stress.

Responding to stress at work

Each of us has ways through which we manage stress.  You might find it hard to communicate with your colleagues or bosses.  You will start taking things too literally as well, which will make you more reactionary to others’ comments or responses. It will be hard for you to control your emotions and deal with things properly.

Reducing stress at work

Decide to take action by dealing with stress. One of the best ways to do it is to live a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you get enough sleep at night so that you feel well-rested to take on another day at work. Exercise regularly so that you will have energy every day. Start eating healthy.

Managing your time at work properly can also do wonders for you. Prioritize your tasks and know which ones you can delegate. Limit distractions and allot enough time for all of your projects. Don’t overbook yourself and dedicate your time to unimportant things. Balance your schedule so that you will have enough time for leisure, family, exercise, and other activities.

Recognizing and coping with workplace stress can be a challenge especially as a new professional.  Feeling the pressure is normal, but instead of giving in to it, let it fuel you to become better at what you do. Don’t let stress get in the way of your success.