STRESS CAN HAVE WIDE-RANGING NEGATIVE EFFECTS

Workplace stress can have negative impacts on employees. Stress can affect an ability to perform a job effectively and can be caused by poor job satisfaction, being in the wrong job or suffering from
burnout through long hours, etc.

Stress can permeate all areas of life if not kept under control, so it is important to identify likely causes and positive ways of dealing with stress to benefit individuals. Winning CV has identified strategies for dealing with stress and remaining positive.

                                                                                                                                                               

1) Instilling a sense of achievement (visual representation)

During times of stress it is good to think of situations where you have excelled or achieved something. Visualising something special encourages a positive mindset and puts people in a better mood. Equally, think of something funny or go to a joke site on the internet for a couple of minutes
and laugh at a joke - why not!
                                                                                                                                                              

2) Regaining control over stress

For those suffering stress, it is important to regain control. Small steps can be taken through setting personal or work-orientated targets. Personal targets could include going to the gym once a week or spending more time with the family, etc. Work targets could include leaving work earlier, taking lunch
hours or finding more effective ways of working.

3) Staying positive

Using positive language may inspire a sense of optimism. Positivity is infectious and can lead to better relations with others. Always think of a glass being 'half-full' rather than 'half-empty'. People generally
like positive and happy people more than those with a more negative disposition.

4) Think of the wider picture

Setting goals and planning ahead may take off any immediate pressure. Working towards a wider goal ('Plan B' ) may distract attention from any pressures or stressful situations at work.

5) Accepting the 'status quo'

Sometimes it is best to settle for what you have got. Assessing the situation at work and comparing it to other experiences or other employers. Things may not actually be that bad, so what is the worry?

6) Maintaining confidence in own ability

Despite distractions and stressful situations at work, people should remain confident and never doubt their abilities. This is often difficult to do - people should realise they achieve more than they think!!

1) Taking things one at a time

Rather than juggle numerous tasks at once, it could be worthwhile prioritising a workload and focus on one thing at a time. This may help focus the mind and help to structure workload more effectively, so taking the pressure off. Completing tasks will also give more of a sense of achievement and so feeling better towards the role.
                                                                                                                                                              

2) Do something different - change routine

Having a day-to-day routine can be uninspiring. Doing something different or meeting different people may help people relax and divert attention from stressful situations. Walk or cycle to work instead of getting the bus or car.

3) Get out of the stressful environment

Get away from the office more, like going for lunch or coffee off-site.

4) Avoid negative people

People tend to avoid negative people or those who are unhappy. Identify those people around you who speak about negative things, gossip or complain a lot. These people often make stressful situations worse. Try meeting new people.

5) Take a few minutes downtime

Take a few minutes to relax, go for a walk or do something you enjoy doing. This may help to re-charge your batteries and serve to combat stress. Turn off your phone or make yourself unavailable for a few minutes. Taking a few minutes during the day may enable you to pace yourself more effectively throughout the day, so you will have more energy at the end of the day.

6) Use your lunch hour - recharge your batteries

Use your lunchtime effectively. This is personal time so use it! Take the opportunity to go for a walk, run or even goto the gym at lunchtime. Physical exercise has an enormous impact alleviating stress by reducing blood pressure, releasing positive hormones into the body and improving fitness. Other activities could include going for lunch with colleagues, reading or going shopping, etc.

7) Speak to your boss - make changes to your job

Approach line management about getting some additional responsibilities or doing an interesting project. This gives opportunities to develop experience, skills and qualities whilst taking the stress out of doing more mundane daily tasks.

8) Working realistic hours

Stress and burnout usually occurs through working long hours, body fatigue and overall tiredness. Review workload and find smarter ways of working to save time without impacting on productivity.
Most employees are wasteful with time so better time management, better training and
development, productivity and performance levels may improve. Work from home?

9) Do not stare at a computer for too long

Starring at a computer makes people tired, stressed and can lead to poor concentration after 20-30 minutes (diminishing returns). Rotate tasks for a few minutes before going back to computer work.

10) Office banter

Office banter and interacting with team members can help reduce stress. There are times to be serious (work comes before anything else) and there are other times when it can be more light-hearted.

11) Companies have strategies for dealing with stress in the workplace

There is a duty of care so it is in the company's interest to have strategies in place.
Many larger organisations have support and welfare initiatives to help employees.
Human resources or a company intranet may hold further contact information.

12) Dealing with bullying

Bullying in the workplace does happen and it can have a detrimental effect on a person's confidence and well-being. Very often, it is one or two people who are the culprits and is usually dealt with by speaking to someone in human resources and/or management. Others maybe affected, so people should be ready to support you (witnesses - will always help your case).

1) Let off steam outside of work

A good social life helps people to relax and thereby reduce stress levels.
Activities and interests will distract a person away from work situations.
                                                                                                                                                              

2) Having a good support network

Friends and family can provide useful moral support in times of difficulty.

3) Take a holiday

Taking a holiday will almost certainly refresh and reinvigorate employees. It is important to do something different or have a change of environment by visiting other places or engaging in new activities rather than just staying at home all of the time.

4) Read a book

Reading is a good way of relaxing. A good autobiography or a self-development publication can help with self-improvement by learning something new about oneself and individual motivations. This could inspire you, build confidence or give strategies for dealing with situations in the future.

1) Drink lots of water & eat healthily

The body can only withstand so much stress. Many employees do not drink nearly enough water. Dehydration in air-conditioned offices can lead to tiredness and headaches, thereby increasing
stress levels. The body requires certain nutrients so eating properly is advisable.
                                                                                                                                                              

2) Go and see a doctor - seek medical advice

Doctors can offer simple and practical advice on dealing with stress. In stressful times and when it affects health, doctors can sign-off employees to give some useful breathing space.
A few days rest may make all the difference.

3) Getting a good night sleep

Sleeping well enables people to be reinvigorated and feeling good ready for the next days work.
Feeling tired can impact on stress levels and a persons well-being.

                                               


               

Dealing with workplace stress - strategies for managing stress & improving work life.