Four simple ways to cope with stress at work

If you’ve worked in an office environment, you’d agree that work-related stress is almost inevitable. Work-related pressure or stress can strike at any time irrespective of whether a person is passionate about their job or not and this can get frustrating.

Factors like low salary, unengaging tasks, unsupportive or abusive colleagues, abusive or toxic bosses, excessive workload are examples of elements that could trigger work-related stress for individuals.

Although work-related stress is almost inevitable, certain measures can be put in place to manage them properly and reduce the pressure they cause.

• Identify The Stressors

A problem identified is a problem half-solved; is a theory that works wonders when dealing with work-related stress. Identifying or recognising what factors trigger your stress at work is a great first step to take in de-stressing.

Start off by journaling which situations create the most stress for you. Inclusive in your journal should be how you respond in the situation and how that particular situation makes you feel.

By doing this, you can better and easily identify the things that cause you the most stress in the office and how you reacted to them. Did you cry for instance? Or scram? Perhaps, did you walk out of the office to get some fresh air or maybe, you spoke to someone on the phone? Journaling these patterns can help you first, avoid future stressors and react to them better.

• Avoid Conflict

Conflict is a great contributor to stress. Interpersonal conflict creates emotional and physical stress and it is no exception in the office environment.

Again, a good way to begin is by identifying elements that could trigger conflict. A common one is an argument. Arguments have a way of turning sour especially when revolving around sensitive issues like religion or personal philosophies. Hence, if possible, avoid situations like arguing which could lead to conflict.

A conflict could also be non-verbal since some personalities would rather be passive-aggressive than speak up. Avoid this too.

Be clear but respectful when communicating at the office. Know what triggers your colleagues or boss into conflict and avoid those as well.

• Take Time To Rest

Resting has been underused in modern times that it now seems normal to overwork without resting. In fact, in some industries, stress is being associated with hard work.

Sometimes, stress could be triggered by restlessness which could further translate into bigger challenges. By taking time to rest, you not only give your brain and mind a break, but you also give them the time to recharge for future tasks.

• Build A Support System

Lack of support is another trigger of stress in the work environment. Humans are largely social beings and this translates into the way humans build and take communities seriously.

Having no support system in the work environment could be a serious cause of stress.

Build a support system at your office; maybe among your colleagues, be friendly with everyone, have at least one colleague to speak frankly with and associate with those of similar visions and interests. You may even be surprised at the types of friendships and acquaintances which you could build from your colleagues.

To summarize this article, these tips when properly applied should help lessen the amount of stress experienced in a work environment. However, some kinds of work-related stress could simply be a sign that it’s time to move on. Of course, this option must be chosen if a person is convinced that whatever stress triggers at the office are beyond control.