Is Workplace Stress Necessary?

Since we all must work, workplace stress is pretty much unavoidable. Once at work you find many things to stress about. This stress is not totally necessary as it is possible to manage with the right tools. You man not be able to avoid stress but you can try to manage it.

Workplace stress is often manifested by everything needing to be completed today. As an example, your boss has already given you dozens of things to do, each with equal importance. Of course, there isn’t enough time to do all of them justice. And in addition, your boss comes and asks about a report or project completed sometime ago and when you get that, here is more work to do. It appears never ending but it is manageable.

Begin to manage the stress by focusing on one task at a time. If you attempt to multi-task you will not be successful as it causes you to constantly change your focus. This takes time and makes extra demands on your brain as you change your thoughts from one task to another and back. Maintaining your focus on a single project helps to keep your thoughts and energy concentrated instead of being scattered by multiple projects

Another of the biggest distractions is coworkers. One of them will often ask for your opinion or for your help with their project. This takes time and focus away from your tasks and if possible delay or avoid these time wasters. Saying “no” will help to avoid distractions. I know, it is difficult to just say no, so it may be better to tell them “As soon as I am done here” or “No, not right now”. This will give you time to finish the task at hand and by the time you finish, they may have forgotten they asked you for help or may have found a solution on their own. If not, then you can take the time to help them.

At times, your concentration may just run out and this can cause all types of difficulties. You may find yourself rereading the same paragraph several times or staring at the same thing on the computer and still not know what you are reading. This means you are not being effective, your brain is shutting down yet the deadline is coming closer and closer and you must complete the project. At this point it is time to disengage. Get a drink, go to the bathroom, take a short walk, anything to clear your mind. When you do this, you are making sure you are working effectively and reducing stress to low levels.

Learn some desk exercises to reduce stress. Pick up a spongy ball and squeeze it or do some stretches while at your desk. Working your muscles improves circulation and helps keep you alert and aware. Of course, you aren’t going to do a full body workout while sitting at your desk, but a little exercise can help to keep your mind focused.

If you take a look at your work space you may find that it is not comfortable for you. It may be noisy, or your desk may not be the proper height for you, or you may not be comfortable for other reasons. It may not be ergonomically correct. In order to work with as little distraction as possible you must be comfortable to avoid more stress. Having your office set up just right for you is the ticket. And addressing the little things in your office will assist you in working more consistently and confidently.

Stress in the workplace cannot be avoided. But, proper management can minimize the stress. When the stress is managed properly, work becomes more enjoyable and you end up being more productive. Taking care of yourself and your work environment first prevents stress from controlling you.

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