When workdays start stacking together, safeguarding your mental health starts to become particularly challenging. The weeks start to pass in a blur, months merge together, and before long many people find themselves entirely consumed by their professional lives. Stress follows on from here, so it’s important to look after yourself.
Unfortunately, poor mental health reportedly affected half of the 44,000 employees who took part in a recent survey, and only half of those affected went on to talk to about their issues with their employer. While things are tough, awareness is building, and stigmas are being broken down. At the very least, you’re not alone in any struggles you’re experiencing.
Consequently, here’re some small ways you can combat work related stress;
Slow down
The most common advice is often so because it’s incredibly effective. If you find yourself feeling swamped or stressed, try to slow down. Stop what you’re doing, take a seat and a few deep breaths too, or utilise any other breathing techniques that you think could be particularly helpful. You could even research around meditation and see if there’s anything in that pastime that could benefit you for a few minutes here and there during your working day.
Get perspective
It’s easy to trick yourself into thinking that your job is the most important thing in the world. Therefore, when things go wrong here, blaming yourself for work-related misfortunes seems only logical. Instead, try to get some perspective. Are you doing everything by the book? Have you considered alternative reasons for things not going to plan? Take a step back and consider that you might be creating your own stress undeservedly. Not everything is your fault, and when something is don’t worry – learn for next time.
Plan ahead
Few things can curb your stress levels like planning can. Of course, this can take place across numerous aspects of your professional life. Are you a regular commuter? Well, some carnet train tickets might just help eliminate some of the panic surrounding travel times and ticket prices. Big day in the office tomorrow? Take out your planner and drum up a to-do list to give your frantic and chaotic thoughts some calming structure. Organise your day, and you’re ahead of the game.
Ask for feedback
When stress strikes, take time to ask any colleagues and superiors for feedback. After all, should you be struggling to get perspective on your lonesome, a few choice words of encouragement and/or critique from your workmates will give you something real to work with and consider. Your ifs, buts and maybes will be swapped out for concrete realities of dos and don’ts, and you can take constructive steps from there.
Talk it through
No problem is so big, or indeed little, that you can’t get it off your chest. The simple fact is that your wellbeing is more important than your professional role. Prioritise that fact and make sure to speak up if you’re struggling; whether it’s to a colleague, a superior or even a therapist. There’s no shame in confiding in another person, and who knows; perhaps in doing so you’ll be encouraging others to do the same!
Conclusion
Your mindset plays a big role in eliminating stress from your professional life. Focus on that, and things will surely improve in time. Remember, you’re not alone, so try to stay proactive and strong when these kinds of thoughts and feelings occur.