Work shouldn’t hurt: don’t accept a high stress level as part of the job
Having a successful career does not mean that you need to cope with headaches and sleepless nights. You should be able to enjoy your job in additional to having a successful career without being stressed out. The American Psychological Association (APA) released its annual Stress in America report and, as a nation, Americans are actually pretty stressed out. In the past year alone, 35 percent of Americans said their stress levels have gone up. Further, Brooklyn career coach Colette Ellis, who also runs seminars for organisations, including ones on coping with work and family stress, said “In today’s new normal, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. The good news is that you can find tools to relax and release your tension and anxiety.”
But does it have to be this way? After all, what’s the point of landing your dream job if you can’t enjoy it? Here are eleven tips on how to deal with the unexpected stresses at your job:
1.Find out why you’re stressed: Determine why your career makes you stressed out. Maybe its some aspect of your career that makes you anxious or maybe you need a new job. Do some soul searching and determine the main causes of your career anxieties. Once you know why you are stressed, then develop a plan of action.
2. Get the facts of your situation: Get all of the facts and necessary information to make the right decision. Find out the necessary facts of the situation and study all relevant information. This is important because you do not want to miss critical information that could make a difference in dealing with your job anxieties.
3. Get advice from others: It is important to consider other viewpoints other than your own. Ask your friends, co-workers and relatives on what they think that you should do. These people know you and they can give you additional insights that you may be overlooking.
4. Learn to relax: Take a deep breath to help relax when dealing with a stressful situation. If you still feel stressed, then get some fresh air or do something for a few minutes to help relax. Have you tried meditation? It helps! You will feel better and gain a fresh perspective on your current situation.
5. Take it day by day: Do not worry about what may happen next week or next month. Things change all the time and it is all most impossible to predict what may or may not happen. Do the best you can today and hope for the best.
6. Read something positive: Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements.
7. Try to reduce any potential conflicts. If you see trouble coming, try to catch it earlier before it becomes an argument. Use your problem solving skills to prevent any arguments. Remember communication is the key in preventing conflicts in the work place.
8. Do not be afraid to change jobs: Sometimes it may be the career itself that is the problem. Do not be afraid to change careers if you have to. People nowadays change careers for various reasons. Many adults go back to school to get the necessary training for their new career. The important thing is to determine which career best suits you.
9. You have options: There are all kinds of jobs and careers that you can choose from. Do not feel that you are limited as to the choices you have regarding your career or job. Doing your research and talking to others can be a great way to find what your options are in picking a job that doesn’t stress you out.
10. Worrying makes it worse: Sometimes we tend to exaggerate when we start to worry. Instead of worrying about what could happen, try to focus on the reality of the situation. Don’t assume anything and do not focus on your negative thoughts.
11. Talk to a career counselor: Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a career professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties regarding your job. These career professionals will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem.
By: Stan Popovich
Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods”. Stan’s book has over 400 book reviews and counting. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/
