Do you think it's only top managers and CEOs that get burnout at work? If you do, you are wrong. Work-related stress happens to anyone, at any level, any job and across industries. It can happen to anybody.
The truth is that we are not machines; we burn out, we get tired, and when the workload increases, it affects us. What does this mean for you? How can you beat work-related stress? Is there a way out? Depending on the industry you are in, most times, work-related stress comes out of situations beyond our control, such as an emergency- think of our healthcare workers! Because it has the potential to affect our lives so much, it would be best if we found ways to manage work-related stress.
For you to be able to manage work-related stress, you must identify the causes of it; they include;
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You are doing work that isn't engaging or challenging
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You have no control over things that happen at work
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You get a low salary and feel underpaid
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A large workload for you to complete within a short time
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You are not sure what is expected of you
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You feel micromanaged or have no directives at all
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You do not feel valued
How do you know you have work-related stress?
You probably have work-related stress when you start to show some of the symptoms; low morale and loss of interest in your job, frustration, or feeling no motivation to come to work. You may also have trouble concentrating, feel anxious, start using alcohol and drugs to cope with work and when you are at work you develop problems such as migraines, stomach ache, and fatigue.
How can you manage work-related stress?
When some work-related stress and unavoidable, it is crucial that you know how you can manage it. Work-related stress management techniques that you can use include the following;
1. Manage your time and organize your life: that will include prioritizing your most important tasks first, especially if you have a heavy workload. When you are at work, organize your work area, schedule work breaks to take a walk or have lunch and recharge.
2. Talk it out: If there is a specific aspect of your work that challenging or demanding or causing unnecessary stress, then discuss it with your supervisor or co-workers. Your supervisor might be able to re-assign certain tasks or might not even be aware of what you are dealing with. Your co-workers might be able to tell you what has worked for them. Communication is important.
3. Set necessary boundaries: if you are used to taking on too much work because of your difficulty in or fear of saying 'No' to your boss or co-workers, this can lead to you being overwhelmed. Learn to say “no” if you cannot manage extra tasks at the moment, especially if it is not a part of your regular duties.
4. Balance work and personal time: even if you are working from home. You should balance work and give yourself time to do other things, including rest. Resist the urge to take home work.
5. Build a healthy lifestyle: no job on earth is as essential as your life. Set healthy options and avoid fast foods, alcohol and drugs. Drink a lot of water and ensure that you get enough rest.
6. Exercise and Meditate: you should exercise and meditate to keep your body relaxed and to manage stress better. On your time off, go to the beach and have some fun. Always take your vacation and use your weekends for some good things – church, family, cooking =, hiking or whatever else refreshes you.
Last tip.
You should know that no one is invincible and free from experiencing burnout, so pay attention to your mood before, during and after work. No matter what you do and how stressful your job is, know that it is manageable. We recommend that you practice some of these tips on managing work-related stress, and soon, you will see yourself performing at your best.