How to manage stress at work effectively

Mental Health StressWith the news coming out that civil servants are being offered counselling to deal with the strain of the Brexit process, it is a timely reminder especially during Mental Health Awareness Week, that we must look after our mental health at work.

Being able to effectively deal with stress at work involves developing coping strategies, which are personal to you, so it’s important to experiment with what suits you individually. Take a look below at some of the following commonly-used techniques on how to manage stress at work effectively:

1. Take a break.

You may not be able to de-stress by booking a three-week holiday in a faraway destination, but you can take a rest. It might just be as simple as going for a walk outside for 10 minutes or working away from your desk but it will give you the chance to reflect and better prioritise your workload.

2. Leave work on time more regularly.

If you stay late every day, you end up working increasingly unproductively as you begin to tire. Most jobs don’t end on the dot, but make sure that every day doesn’t add to your stress by regularly running over. To help you leave on time try reorganising your schedule. Much stress at work comes from not having enough time to do everything. Plan all of your weekly tasks and schedule in a little overrun time here and there.

3. Be considerate of your interests outside of work.

Getting your work-life balance right is not just about making time for yourself, make time for your family and friends. By doing so, you will also become less stressed at work thus helping you to work more efficiently in the long run.

4. Talk to your boss.

Most managers won’t notice the amount of stress you are under until something blows. Don’t leave things too late and snap as a result. Use informal meetings and one-to-one sessions to discuss your stress levels. It is understandable if you feel embarrassed about broaching this topic with your boss, but remember your boss is human and by working together you can figure out solutions to deal with it.

5. Look at the bigger picture.

Some stress in the workplace can be down to things that seem very important at the time. It is advisable to take a step back and think about matters with as much perspective as possible. Ask yourself whether something is as crucial as it seems.

6. Have a cut-off time.

If you find yourself thinking about work long after you’ve left the office, it might be helpful to set a reminder on your phone to take a step back from work and enjoy your evening. Also consider leaving work emails off your phone. How often do you justifiably receive emails outside office hours that require urgent attention?

Lou Goodman, Marketing Director UK, Ireland & Benelux at Monster says: “Learning how to manage stress at work takes time, especially if you have been promoted or recently taken on more responsibility. Remember that you are not alone and that many employers want to offer a supportive environment that helps you to cope with any stress you feel. By using one or two stress management techniques, it should help you to feel on top of your work and allow you to come to work in a much better headspace.”

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