Managing Stress at Work Discussion
It seems like a lot of people here are dealing with work stress. It comes from many different situations and places. Some of you have mentioned extra work being placed on your shoulders, lack of communication as a team, being disrespected, not enjoying your role there, and yet there are other things.
Lack of opportunity for advancement
Lack of training to know how to do your job correctly.
Poor compensation or benefits for the amount you do
Poor environment such as lighting, noise, etc.
Poor leadership or management
Extra-long hours
Here are some questions for discussion:
What are things that you have found to help manage stress in the situations you have encountered?
When you think about releasing tension from stress, what helps you do that? I think of progressive relaxation, focused breathing, moving muscles such as should shrugs and such. Stepping outside.
What is one thing you can try to do this week for managing the stress at your workplace?
I'm looking forward to your thoughts.
@KristenHR This seems silly but I think since I bought the soccer ball for my puppy and take it out with us once I get home (and once I change), it helps me decompress a bit and the pup likes the interaction.
Most of the time, I just go into work and do what I am supposed to do and not think about anything. Of course, being able to listen to my music for the entire shift helps. I do my best to stay out of everything and be neutral on everything. I tried to get involved last year but that only wound up with me getting in trouble. Definitely not doing that again.
@Enthenia
Pets are such a great stress release, and walking is a good release as well.
It's great that you can listen to music. Music can be a great stress reducer. Staying out of drama, that is a big help.
Thanks for sharing these!
@KristenHR well the puppy isn't always a stress reducer. Sometimes she's a contributer (especially when she wants to chew on things she shouldn't chew at one in the morning).
@Enthenia
Oh, I didn't think about that! How long until she grows out of the puppy stage?
Does she have any down moments where she snuggles with you?
@KristenHR
My job can get stressful, and the best thing I've found is using a sort of version of the 'talk to yourself like you would a friend' exercise. Instead of talking to myself, though, I pretend a much wiser person is in charge of telling me what I should do, and how I should feel. This is a comforting version of the exercise, for me.
@nordurnStar
What a unique way to use self-talk. Thanks for sharing this. I've asked others to share what they would say to a friend, and how they say it to a friend, and many would never talk to a friend like they talk to themselves. But I've never heard anyone talking to themselves like a wise person. I love it!
Thanks for sharing!
@nordurnStar
I've never done self-talk. I will add this to my tool box of things to choose from....
Trying to limit my tasks into 4/day, log off early and I no longer respond to inquiries that is elicitibg it.
@HappyDog83
Thats a great idea - limiting your tasks by number and days. What a great way to manage your stress level.
A lot has happened over the past 2 weeks in our workplace. Management laid off dozens of staff without reason whatsoever. Then a week after, one of my team mates tendered his resignation, I felt terrible. Because we were a team, and we have had good programs and initiatives. But I felt so emotional, my boss told me that as part of the admin team I should be strong and organized. And he said it in a way/tone that I should not feel sad or terrible? For a year, I was performance was always recognized and praised, I always resolve issues and this evening, I was told that I am not proactive enough. He gave me 15 KPIs this year, I am doing a 2-person job, I answer inquiries, I improve workflows and still I am not good enough. So I have had enough. Overworked, exhausted and tired...
@HappyDog83
That sounds very overwhelming! Thanks for sharing. It sounds like you are a team player, a good leader, and have a lot of care and compassion for those you supervise and work with. Those are great qualities to have.
With those qualities, I would imagine that it would make you quite marketable in other places with your experience, especially with references from some of those you supervise or work closely with.
I hate to hear that you have been treated that way, yet it's good that you know your limits. What are you thinking that your options are at this point?
How did I miss this post? I'm going to contribute hopefully tomorrow when I can get on my laptop. I hate typing out long responses on my phone.....work stress and burnout is why I came to 7cups...
All things in life is about how we react to situations that present themselves to us. This goes for good situations as well as bad. I am a person of routine, and routines make me feel comfortable. I don't like it when my routines are broken, and I hate last minute changes. I am aware that life always doesn't work that way, but living on a strict routine is what brings peace to my life. I have a tendency to
catastrophize everything that comes my way. I was never this way when I was
younger. I think it is because I am always looking ahead, trying to be
prepared for anything that comes my way, so as not to interrupt my routine. This catastophizing started in the last 5 or 6 years and I don't know why or how this has become my way of life. I am well aware of this and know that it is something I need to work on. With that being said, here are some things I apply:
What are things that you have found to help manage stress in the situations you have encountered? I'm stressed just walking in the door at my place of employment. Heck, I'm stressed just knowing I have to go in. I have been trying to take my day in blocks. One hour at a time. One minute at a time if its a bad day. I try not to focus on multiple tasks at once and try not to think about what is coming up. I try to deal with and handle what is at hand, directly in front of me at the time.
When
you think about releasing tension from stress, what helps you do that?
I think of progressive relaxation, focused breathing, moving muscles
such as should shrugs and such. Stepping outside. I take deep breaths and stretch when I can. I carry my military challenge coin in my pocket everywhere I go I do this as a reminder that I made it through all the things when I was in the military, I can make it through whatever is directly in front of me. I also use the coin as sort of a "fidget gadget" when I get stressed and twirl it between my fingers as mindless movement to help me try to relax. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Unfortunately, I cannot usually leave the environment and step outside....sometimes a bathroom break, if I'm able to, will get me out of the stressful situation for a few minutes to help me collect my thoughts as to how to react when I get back, but I always have to go back into the situation.
What is one thing you can try to do this week for managing the stress at your workplace? One thing I have been told from some of my co-workers is that I care about what happens at work too much. That I worry about things that don't really matter in the long run. I can't help it because it is who I am. Something I have been trying to incorporate into my working environment is the 5x5 rule. It states "If it isn't going to matter 5 years from now, don't give it more than 5 minutes of stress, time and attention" I try to keep this in the back of my mind but I still have trouble doing this. Its a learning process but something I really want to learn and apply to my working environment.
@CyclingThroughLife
You've provided such great wisdom here in your response that many of us can take away when in a difficult place of employment.
I get caring - this shows your integrity and work ethic. I love your 5x5 as well. I've not heard it before, but I think it is great.
There are two types of people in my workplace. Type A, only cares about their own primary tasks and is not considerate, mindful, caring, or helpful of others. And the Type B, the exact opposite, as well as hardworking with good work ethics. My department, has a team of 3 people. Colleagues starting their shifts at 6:30am, 7:30am and 12pm. I'm the Type B, while the others are Type A.
I have been on a 9-day working streak, and I have been doing all the work, with no help from anybody. This week, Monday-Wednesday, I worked the 6:30am shift. But the 7:30am colleague has been of no help. Only focusing on her primary tasks. So, it has been stressful for me this week, and today being my 9th day, my brain has logged off already.
Sometimes, I swear that my colleagues take advantage of my work ethics or take it for granted that just because I'm much younger than they are, I'm entitled to do all the tasks (I'm the age of their children, in the 30s). But I swear, I feel that they just do it to me. Because when I worked the 12pm shift, I see the 7:30am colleague help out with some other tasks aside from her own. But with me, I had been doing everything all morning. Usually, working the morning shifts, I don't get more than 10,000 steps in.. but because I haven't had any help, with an hour and half left of my shift, my steps is closing in on 14,000.
I have brought my concerns to my Manager before, but nothing has changed. Although we're a team, the others do not work as teammates, they do not help and I do all the work. And no one is thankful or appreciative of what I do.
It's disheartening and saddening, so, I try to tell myself that, I'm not doing all the work to be recognized or appreciated, I'm just doing my part of the work and that I can't stand it when shelves are empty and no one restocks the product. At least, the doctors are appreciative and thankful for my work.. but it'd be nice if my teammates helped with tasks. It'll be less stress and weight off my shoulders, but no one seems to care.
7 Cups is the only place for me to vent because when I try to tell others, they think I'm in the wrong. I really don't understand what they are thinking. Then they get all worked up when I miss something, but it's not even work that is a part of my primary "tasks", it's just something I'm nice enough to do to help. It's like everyone just expects that I will do everything, and when I ask for help, I hear them talking behind my back that I'm not doing my job properly, that I'm giving them extra work.. but, they're supposed to be helping out anyways.
Sorry, now I'm just ranting on. I can go on forever with the unfair treatment I'm getting from work lately.
@Jaeteuk
It is very frustrating when colleagues help others but not you. It is discouraging to need to do everything, and when you take on the responsibility of your work because you are a hard worker and you care, others unfortunately do take advantage.
I'm glad you get to vent and share what's going on. I know it doesn't solve it at all, but sometimes just having a listening ear can be a big help in situations that are discouraging or frustrating.
Is there anything at work that you do that helps you feel encouraged when that is happening?
I try to self-talk a bit.. telling myself that it's okay. That there are some people who are just doing the job for the wage, for the stability, not for the liking of the job and wanting to do well. When those colleagues start blaming me for things, I also tend to avoid interacting with them. Trying to keep my mental health more stable, avoiding interaction will help with overthinking why they are acting that way with me. But sometimes, I would be frustrated and get teary, but have to make myself hold the tears back. Can't show tears at work, even though there may be times where I feel like I'll break down.
