How to Cope with Workplace Stress

You may find yourself dealing with stress and pressure in the workplace. When you face challenges, it creates healthy stress. Too much pressure, however, can lead to health problems. In addition, fear, frustration and anger that comes from having a difficult relationship with a manager, colleague, or client, or being in an unsuitable job, may also lead to long-term or chronic stress.

Here are three ways to deal with workplace stress:

Change your perspective on stress

Workplace stress – and its effects on the body (elevated heartbeat, sweating) – are often viewed negatively. However, research has discovered that embracing stress as a positive can help people feel less stressed and more confident. In these instances, a racing heart isn’t a negative. In fact, it’s the body’s trigger to supply more oxygen to boost performance. So the next time you feel nervous heading into an interview, an important project meeting, or a one-on-one with your boss, tell yourself that those perspiring palms are just your body’s way of preparing you to perform your best. Do this over time and your stress symptoms will subside.

Put your efforts towards helping others

Stress creates a chemical release in our bodies that promotes a natural desire to connect with others. This response prompts us to focus on what we can control instead of what we can’t. In the workplace, this is perhaps best done through mentoring. Assisting a colleague or mentee in their time of stress can help reduce your own.

Begin work conversations on a positive

It’s a natural reaction for a person to go along with the mood of the people we are conversing with. Therefore, you can steer conversations in a positive direction by starting off with an encouraging comment or compliment. This will not only help reduce stress, but result in more productive conversations.

It is also important to note that your employer may provide independent options for dealing with workplace stress. At Landrum, we offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all Workforce Solutions employees. The well-being benefit of our EAP provides free, confidential appointments to assist with stress management, work/life balance and emotional health.

If you’re not a Landrum employee, and your employer does not offer an EAP, other resources may be available to you outside of work. These can range from professional care to more informal support groups.

Article Reference: 5 Smart Ways To Deal With Workplace Stress