Some useful tips to avoid work-related stress.
It’s a tough world out there. The vast amount of information and the rate of technological change going on all around us is enough to put us all on overdrive. However, the pressure is definitely stronger for those who are running their own businesses.?
How Stress Affects You
Studies show that while stress can keep you alert, experiencing constant stress without relief or relaxation may eventually lead to physiological and emotional problems such as headaches, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, depression and anxiety. It is sad to note that nearly 43% of all adults are experiencing some of the adverse effects of stress and that about 75% to 90% of all doctor visits are caused by stress-related ailments.?
In addition, stress can also hamper your efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Studies indicate that workplace stress costs employers about $200 billion per year in stress-related expenses.
Considering the adverse effects of stress, how can you possibly manage your stress levels without compromising your work and your bottomline? Here are some tips that may help you do just that.
Recognize the warning signs. Workplace stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It may cause you to become uncharacteristically irritable, anxious or depressed, or make you lose interest in your work. It may also cause headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, fatigue and sleep problems.?
Take care of yourself. Adopt a regular exercise routine, make the right food choices, make sure you get enough rest, drink alcohol in moderation and avoid smoking. Reach out to family and friends, especially during times of high stress.
Give yourself some time to chill out. While it is definitely okay to work for long hours for a few weeks or even a few months, you should learn to take a break from your work. Do things that can enhance your mood and performance. You may even temporarily call it quits if you need to. Remember, you need to give your body and your mind a break sometime. Otherwise, you are asking for trouble ? and you will most probably get what you’re asking for.
Don’t be afraid to mix business with pleasure. It is perfectly okay to mix business with pleasure, especially during highly stressful times. So, take your team out for dinner and enjoy a few drinks. Have some fun. You will be amazed at how things will work out after doing so.
Plan to finish ahead of time. Don’t wait for the last minute to finish your work since this may cause you a huge amount of stress. Beating the deadline at the very last minute is never an enjoyable experience.
