Identify what’s stressing you out, then find ways to manage it.
Stress is a natural part of life, and in moderation it can help improve our work performance. However, too much stress can lead to physical ailments such as headache and stomach aches, and chronic stress can cause serious health problems such as depression and heart disease, according to the American Psychological Association. April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to examine the level of work-related stress you’re experiencing and explore ways to better manage it.
Make healthy choices
Exercise helps a ton, even if all you can get in is a brief walk. Eat right and drink plenty of water. And obviously, don’t use alcohol or drugs to mask the stress.
Recharge your batteries
You need a break from work to be effective on the job, so make the most of your leisure time. Use all your vacation days. Get enough sleep. Don’t check work email outside of work hours (I know, sometimes easier said than done).
Prioritize your tasks
Figure out what can be delayed or delegated and focus on what’s most important. If you work on a team, consider whether some tasks can be passed on to someone else who can do it better or faster than you can. If you don’t, talk with your supervisor to determine where you should focus your efforts first.
It’s possible that stress over your workload at home is spilling over into your work life. If it is, look into outsourcing some household tasks so you can get the most out of your time off work.
Ask for help
Some common work stressors are hard to handle on your own, including an excessive workload, no opportunity for advancement, lack of control over job decisions and work that isn’t challenging. If you’re dealing with any of these, talk to your boss.
Few people do their best work under chronic stress. Talk to your manager about what’s going on and ask for help figuring out what’s truly a priority. If your boss seems indifferent, or isn’t willing to help, that may be a sign it’s time to look for a different job. If a personality conflict with your manager is the source of your stress, consider talking to someone in HR.
Look at the big picture
Sometimes stress doesn’t come from the hours of time spent at work; it’s what you spend that time on that wears you down. If you’re working normal hours but are constantly feeling stressed out, it may be that the organization or role isn’t the right fit for you.
Pass this advice to your friends. Share with them.
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