Getting sick of running the rat race? What a struggle it is - the daily commute, regular bickering with the boss, same work everyday, delayed incentives, squabbling colleagues, office politics, the rigmarole! As if you signed up for a prison sentence!
Before you fall into the trap of self-blame, hopelessness or guilt, check out these strategies to cope with work stress.
5 Fail-proof Ways to Deal with Work Stress
v Learn to identify your stressors and journal your thoughts and anxieties.
Try to verbalize your anxieties and negativities. What is troubling you exactly? There is no shame in feeling left out or belittled or hurt. Speak to your close ones about it, or if that is not possible, start writing a journal. Writing down your negative feelings/depressive thoughts/anxieties can help you unburden yourself. Just confronting your worst fears in written words can take off some of the stress. However, if the process is too painful or distressing, seek help from a professional therapist.
v Develop a life outside office
You are more than your job. Your career is just one aspect of your life; it’s not your whole life. An active social life, some productive hobbies, indulging in friendly banter with strangers, helping the needy, volunteering for a cause, all these help lighten your mind. You will realize that your problems are not so massive after all.
v Invest and work as hard in your personal relationships
Is your office your entire world? Someone has rightly said, if you die the next moment, your office will find someone to replace you. It’s only your close ones and family who will mourn your passing away. Make time for your loved ones. This way you regain control over your life and relationships. Play with your kid, take your wife out, or just read together. Bond with your close ones, meet people, and make relationships with people outside work.
v Learn to set boundaries and say no without feeling guilty about it
Nothing is more precious than your mental wellness. Over work leads to burnout and physical distress. Start prioritizing your own needs by saying no. Boss has a habit of making you stay late in office for routine staff meetings? Politely excuse yourself at least once a week. Make up for that by being diligent in your office hours.
Once you start turning down unreasonable demands, you will get the confidence to say no without hesitation. And yes, people will get the message that you have a life.
v Get active and run and play, or do some yoga
All work and no play make Jack not only a dull boy, but also a very unhappy one. You don't want to grow old just typing invoices or poring over pie charts. Get some physical exercise daily. (You needn't sign up for that exorbitant gym package, by the way).
Just get off the couch and jog a bit. Go to the neighbourhood park and kick a ball around. Take your child for a cycle ride. Go for a swim or play badminton with the kids outside. Nature and exercise both work wonders to uplift your mood. Try it!
Yoga has the additional benefit of calming the mind, so if you can, learn from a trained instructor.
Laugh out, goof around, cook, read, paint, just do what you feel like. And yes, stop comparing yourself with others.
LYL or Live Your Life, because you live only once. But don't fall into the FOMO trap. You are dealing with your stress, walking the tightrope on your own. Nobody knows what it is to walk in your shoes. So the only person who can judge you is yourself.
Be kind to yourself, forgive yourself your failings. Find joy in small things. Seek help if you feel lost. Upgrade your skills and keep on the lookout for opportunities.
And see your work stress become like a slinking, timid mouse!
#WorkStress #OfficeStress #LiveLifeStressFree
Very practiccal
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