With 83% of U.S employees feeling work-related stress, do you find that you’re constantly drowning in projects and last minute tasks that got thrown on your desk? Does it ever seem to end? Probably not, right? If anything, it just makes you want to pull your hair out.
Between tight deadlines, long hours, and back to back meetings, it’s easy to feel drained and overwhelmed by the end of the day. As these days turn into weeks and even months of chronic stress, you will eventually harm your emotional and physical health. No wonder 40% of adults lay awake at night thinking about their everyday stressors.
DecisionHR understands that it’s hard to avoid the tension from work. Fortunately there are several ways you can manage and control work-related stress in order for you to be more productive while maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle.
No More Sleepless Nights
Just think about those sleepless nights as you would lie awake in bed, going over and over the long list of tasks that have to be completed by the end of the week. Let’s not forget about the co-worker that made a fuss during your meeting earlier that day. Then, you fight to stay awake the next day because you’re exhausted. This vicious cycle doesn’t seem to end. Doesn’t it make you want to just scream?
Say goodbye to those sleepless nights and hello to your beauty sleep. Tonight, try to get rid of the distractions before bed. The emails and text messages can wait until tomorrow. Put all electronic devices away and make sure to get a full eight hours of sleep. This will ensure that you are focused the next day to fulfill your job responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
Organize & Prioritize
Are you all work, but no play? If so, you are depriving yourself of a balanced lifestyle. Don’t worry, work can wait. Take some breaks during the day to go on a walk or to chat with some co-workers. Did you know that 10% of workers will take a 17 minute break after working for 52 consecutive minutes? Sometimes you’ve got to get away to in order for you to be more productive.
Also, don’t over commit to others or else you’ll just hurt yourself in the end. As much as you want to be a superhero, you can’t possibly squeeze everything into one day. Take a second to distinguish between what’s a priority and what isn’t. Don’t be afraid to say no if it’ll be too much work for you. Listen to your mind and your body because your health comes first.
It’s About Time to Break Those Bad Habits
You’ve heard the saying, “no one is perfect.” It might sound cliché, but it’s true. The idea of perfection will only stress you out, so resist it. Instead, set goals that are attainable and focus on striving to do your best.
Perfection isn’t the only bad habit that can cause stress. The constant urge to control every situation can add to your stress level as well. Unfortunately, you cannot manipulate the outcome of every situation, especially when it comes to someone else’s behavior. Rather than stressing out over the way others act, focus on how you choose to react to the situation. Next time a co-worker acts out, take a second to think about the situation. Ask yourself if it’s really worth it to cause tension.
A little stress is what keeps you on your toes during a presentation or keeps you cautious of making costly mistakes, but too much of it can take over your whole life and negatively affect your overall health. It’s about time to end your stress with a little more sleep, some organization and take a second to evaluate each situation. You’ve got what it takes to control your stress level, so don’t be afraid to be the boss of your own body!
