This past weekend I was at a seminar. While there, I wound up speaking with a registered nurse attendee about the problems she experienced in her workplace. It reinforced to me the need to continue with part two of some tips about managing workplace stressors, following on last week's post. This is a topic discussed in our recent book (I Can't Take It Anymore: How to Manage Stress so It Doesn't Manage You; Paul G. Longobardi, Ph.D., and Janice B. Longobardi, R.N., P.H.N.), available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542458056 . If you want to know more about the book and the authors, please see our book website at http://www.manageyourhealthandstress.com/
Here are some additional tips on managing workplace stressors from the book:
1. Take time to recharge. To avoid the negative effects of chronic stress and burnout, you need time to replenish and return to your pre-stress level of functioning. It's important that you disconnect from time to time, in a way that fits your needs and preferences. Don't let your vacation days go to waste. When possible, take time off to relax and unwind. You will go back to work feeling reinvigorated and ready to perform at your best.
2. Learn how to relax. As we’ve mentioned earlier, using techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, deep breathing exercises and mindfulness (a state in which you actively observe present experiences and thoughts without judging them) can help reduce stress. Start by taking a few minutes each day to focus on a simple activity like breathing, walking, or enjoying a meal. This will help you focus on a single activity without distraction.
3. Talk to your supervisor. Healthy employees are typically more productive, so your boss has an incentive to create a work environment that promotes employee well-being. Start by having an open conversation with your supervisor. The purpose of this isn't just to complain but rather to collaborate in helping you to manage the stressors you identify, such as having more control over your work and opportunities for growth.
4. Get some support. Accepting help from trusted co-workers, friends, and family members, can improve your ability to manage stress. Your employer may also have stress management resources available through an employee assistance program (EAP), including online information, available counseling, and referral to mental health professionals, if needed. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by work stress, you may want to talk to a psychologist who can help you better manage stress and change unhealthy behavior.
If you are inclined to say, "My boss or workplace will never respond to me or give me any say in my work," be mindful that there are many actions we've discussed that you can take anyway, on your own. These will help you feel better physically and emotionally, and feel more in control of your life. You will have more energy for activities outside of work, and get along better in your social and familial relationships. Stress is inevitable in life; your reaction to stress is a choice.
Well, there you have it. Using one or more of the nine strategies discussed in the last two posts can help you manage your workplace challenges more effectively. By the way, after our conversation, the registered nurse purchased our book on the spot.
Best of luck on your journey.
Dr. Paul Longobardi
For information on these and related topics, please see my website at www.successandmindset.com