How to Handle Stress at Work

Knowing exactly how to handle stress at work can be a bit tricky, but these tips can help.

Stress and work seem to, at times, go hand in hand. In a world where technological advances only seem to serve to keep workers glued to their desks, is it any wonder that many report increased levels of stress? While it may be true that stress levels have increased in recent years, it's equally important to identify the source of that stress.

Before deciding how to handle stress at work, you'll need to pinpoint what exactly is causing the stress.

Sometimes it's not the responsibilities of a position that causes stress, but rather, the sheer number of hours you spend tackling those responsibilities. If you find that you are the first one in the office in the morning, and the last to leave at night, ask yourself, why? What are you trying to gain from spending so many hours at work? Recognition? A promotion? None of these are bad things, in fact, striving for recognition and a promotion is quite commendable.

However, if the grueling schedule you've set for yourself is starting to become something of a problem, asking yourself why you are doing it can actually help you think about the problem in a more creative way.

For example, why not keep a list of all the notable achievements you've accomplished within the last six months to a year? This way, when it's time for your performance review, you'll be able to discuss those achievements, and hopefully, snag that promotion!

Bullying in the work place is gaining more attention as individuals come forward with their stories. Things like being made fun of or being excluded from office functions can feel just as painful now as it did when you were young. If co-workers cross the line, don't hesitate to speak with the human resources department.

Surprisingly enough, boredom can also cause stress. Doing a job by rote or only using half of your brain to complete assignments can leave you feeling frustrated and angry. If this is the case, talk to your supervisor. Explain to him or her that you would love the opportunity to use some of your other skills, for example, creating Power Point presentations.

Keep in mind, however, that you'll need to do plenty of research on how your skills/special projects will save the company money. If your supervisor sees that letting your talents shine creates a win/win situation for both you and the company, he or she will be more apt to let you try.

Working in an office can be difficult because one needs to contend with so many different personalities. If you are having a conflict with a co-worker, try to talk it out with him/her. State your points calmly and rationally, and really try to listen to his/hers. If things have really come to a head, you may even want to consider switching departments (or transferring).

Even worse than having a conflict with a co-worker is having one with a supervisor. If this is the case, try to smooth things over, the odds are very good that you'll be gone before he or she is.

If it's much more serious than a simple clash of wills, for example, your supervisor is acting in an unethical or illegal way, keep copious notes. Taking legal action is a very serious step and one that requires much thought, but if it does eventually come to that, you’ll be very happy that you have documentation.

No matter what the cause, here are some practical steps you can immediately take to help alleviate workplace stress:

• Get Physical

This is probably one of the very best things you can do to combat stress, and the good news is that it doesn't have to be anything too strenuous. A simple twenty minute walk is all it takes to improve your mood.

• Get a Hobby

Doing something you enjoy, other than your work, can also help to improve your serotonin levels. Lose yourself in needlepoint, the garden, a great book or anything that makes you happy.

• Mediate

Mediating, or sitting quietly for ten to fifteen minutes is a wonderful way to reconnect with yourself and what's truly important.

• Pray

If applicable, why not pray? Similar to mediation, prayer also has a very calming, and centering after effect.

• Talk It Out

Get together with friends and talk out your problems, but don't go into a gab-fest. Instead, set a timer, for example a half hour, to talk things out, and after the time limit is up, go do something active. This is a great way to get things off your chest while having fun.

Knowing how to handle stress at work is a necessary skill that most of us need to learn. When we carry stress from work, other areas of our life begin to suffer. Why give work all that power? Practice letting go of everyday work stress while figuring out a way to live your true passion because that is what will leave you feeling truly happy.

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