Coping With Workplace Stress

Originally Appearing in Lawley Wellness Newsletter September 2011 

Over 75% of Americans consider their job stressful.  Although what causes stress in one person may not be a problem for others, the things that we cannot control seem to universally cause us the greatest stress.  Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world.  Stress can happen anywhere, it's a part of our life.  Small forms of stress can be good for us, but large amounts can lead to illness.  Identifying what may be causing you stress is often the first step in learning how to better deal with your stress.  It is important to manage your stress in healthy ways so that you can live happier and healthier.

Here are some tips for managing stress in the workplace:

• Plan and prioritize.  Do not panic, set realistic deadlines, don't rush into the first idea you have and always have an alternative plan.
• Focus on what you can control.  Create a list to prioritize your work.  Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
• Slow down.  Think things through before you act and begin with a result in mind.
• Think outside the box.  Avoid working under pressure, search for alternatives that save time and money and place projects in a fresh perspective.
• Take a break.  Taking a walk or discussing your work situation with another person may help you gain a fresh perspective.
• Cope with change.  Acknowledge your resistence to changes in your environment and try to see the change as an opportunity to reflect and evaluate.