According to Northwestern National Life, 40 percent of employees report that their job is very or extremely stressful.
Although dealing with stress is a normal part of everyday life, it is important to be on the lookout for some of the early warning signs of unhealthy stress. These early symptoms include depression, anxiety, insomnia and headaches.
Additionally, it is important to avoid the stigmas of mental disorders, and to realize that stress is not a weakness, not your fault, and can affect anyone at any time. And, although many who suffer from stress choose to keep it to themselves, you don’t need to suffer in silence. Instead, you can alleviate your stress by speaking with a friend, your doctor or a support service.
- Pressures of long working hours and low job security can be felt in many workplaces. However, is committed to ensuring all our employees are healthy and stress-free. You can manage workplace stress in the following ways:
- Realize that it is OK to sometimes say no. While always saying yes can make you look like a go-getter in the short term, taking on too much can set you up for failure and increase your stress levels.
- Learn to speak up. You can prevent stress and exhaustion by knowing how much work you’re able to take on. If you take on too much, you won’t be able to do it well, so choose wisely. If you’re unable to reasonably complete a project, your manager will most likely appreciate it if you outline your reasons and offer an alternate solution.
- Recognize when you’re stressed. One of the best things to do about workplace stress is simply recognize it exists. Then you can do something about it before it interferes with other aspects of your life.
- Slow down. Think things through before you act, and begin with a clear goal in mind. This way, you’ll avoid having to start over halfway through a misguided project.
- Take a break. To relieve stress, make time to take a break. Taking a walk or discussing your work situation with another person may help you gain a new outlook.
© 2016 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.