Everyone goes through high and low phases at work at some point of time or the other. But sometimes, work stress escalates to such a level that it tends to interfere with one's general well-being. This often affects the efficiency and productivity at work. Interpersonal relations are also likely to get troubled due to this. Some common issues faced at work include:
Lack of job satisfaction,
Monotonous nature of work: job is not interesting or challenging anymore
Lack of autonomy at work
Workplace politics
Promotions and growth is not adequately satisfying, etc.
Here are a few tips of how you can deal with the mental stress caused by issues at work
1. Recognize warning signs of excessive stress at workNo one among us is motivated and productive 100% of the time. But if you're feeling lethargic and disengaged or experiencing burn out perpetually , then you've got to find a way to climb out of the situation. Reading inspiring tips and career advice is one thing, but taking action is another. Some warning signs of excessive stress at work include: irritable mood, low efficiency and productivity, missing passion to work, etc. You could reach out to your superior or HR manager to talk it out and identify reasons for stress and arrive at a solution.
2. Changing perceptionMany aspects of workplace can be managed by changing one's perception or adjusting to an uncomfortable situation. When we begin a new job, we don't get tired by its infuriating aspects; it only happens a little later. This happens because in the beginning there is quite a lot to look forward to, and so the vexing bits become a small part of the bigger picture. With time, however, we lose perspective and hope along with it and feel arrested in the situation.3. Self-change methodSome common self-change questions and methods that one could use to change perspective at work are:
Would 10 or 100 people in the same situation react the same way? If no, then how the person looks at the situation would matter. Can I change how I look at the situation?
What is the best that could happen if my fears came true? And what is the worst that can happen?
Do I have any proof to be 100% sure that my co-workers are plotting against me?
Could I be adding to the problems at work due to my own behaviour?
How does an angry or passive aggressive response help to meet my goal of a promotion?
These questions indicate if one is carrying dysfunctional thought patterns that may either be creating work stress in the first place or adding to external problems. When one has a difficult colleague or a ruthless boss, it will only make things worse to have perpetual anxiety and anger issues. Remaining calm and changing perspective becomes all the more important then.
4. Reach out to supportive peopleFinding supportive people inside and outside the office and talking to them about your feelings can help you remain unruffled. Share your problems with them and take their opinion on the matter. Analyse for yourself the way forward.5. Opt for challenging tasksTo break out of the boredom, approach your superiors and request for challenging, stimulating project that you could work on, perhaps in addition to your current role. This will help break the monotony of regular work and expose you to something different that adds to your skills set. Learn new things to increase your employability and chances for promotion.
6. Repair emotional exhaustionTo repair your emotionalexhaustion, begin determinedly structuring social opportunities into your workflow. An easy way to start is by showing up five minutes early to meetings. Use this free time for light conversations and building your network. If you're a manager, try reigniting your team's motivation by giving day-to-day tasks more meaning and linking back to shared goals. Make your subordinates believe that their effort is helping the big-picture goals and the company's mission.
