Managing work-related stress is crucial not only for your productivity but your overall health and wellbeing. But it’s easier said than done, writes Misma Hemming as she offers five simple steps forward to balance…
In today’s fast-paced work environment, stress seems like an unavoidable side effect of our professional lives. Many people struggle with the demands of their jobs every day. However, managing work-related stress is crucial not only for your productivity but for your overall health and wellbeing.
Here are some simple steps you may find them effective to achieve work/life balance.
The first step in managing workplace stress is to identify its sources. Common stressors include heavy workloads, long hours, job insecurity, or conflicts with co-workers or management. By pinpointing the specific aspects of your job that cause stress, you can begin to develop strategies to address them effectively.
Develop Healthy Responses
Often, the default response to stress is to turn to unhealthy habits such as smoking, overeating, or consuming too much caffeine or alcohol. Instead, try to adopt healthier stress management techniques. Regular physical activity can significantly reduce stress. Practices like yoga and meditation can also help calm your mind. Even simple actions like taking regular short breaks during the workday can improve your overall resilience to stress.
Establish Boundaries
In the digital age, it’s easy to feel pressure to be available 24/7. One key aspect of managing work stress is establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life. If possible, try to avoid checking work emails or taking calls at home in the evening or on weekends. Clearly communicate your availability to your colleagues and supervisors and stick to it unless there’s an emergency. Learn to say no or delegate tasks when appropriate. Being realistic about your work capacity is not a sign of weakness but of professional maturity and personal insight.
Prioritise and Organise
Feeling overwhelmed is often a product of poor organisation. Prioritising tasks and breaking them into manageable steps can greatly reduce stress. Use tools like task lists, priority schedules, and digital calendars to keep track of deadlines and meetings. Prioritising tasks by urgency and importance can help you focus on what truly needs to be done without feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of responsibilities.
Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. Discussing workload issues with your manager or HR can lead to real changes in your work demands or additional resources to help manage responsibilities. Additionally, a therapist can provide emotional support, and help you coping with job stress, as well as friends and family.
Reflect on Your Professional Path
Sometimes, chronic stress at work may be a sign that it’s time to reconsider your job or career path. Reflect on whether your current job aligns with your personal goals and values. If not, it might be worth considering a new path that brings you more satisfaction and less stress.
While work-related stress is common, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. By setting boundaries, organising your day, and taking care of yourself, you can manage stress and find a better balance between work and the rest of your life. You need to enjoy what you do and still have time for yourself and your loved ones.
Misma Hemming is a counsellor at our Bristol and Exeter centres
