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Can You Manage Workplace Stress?
Filed under Family HealthMay 4One of the most difficult forms of stress to avoid is workplace stress. You have to go to work and once there you run across many stressing situations. But stress is not totally necessary. As with other forms of stress, there are ways to manage the stress found in the workplace. And if you cannot avoid it, then try to manage it.
The need for everything to be done today is one cause of stress. For instance, your boss wants you to complete a stack of projects as soon as possible but then comes by looking for a project already turned in. Oh, and by the way, once you get that for him, he has another stack of projects to address. It looks like it will never end but with help, you can manage it.
The best way to begin to manage the stress is by focusing on only one task at a time. Multi-tasking will lead to failure as it impacts your system. Changing focus between projects makes demands on your brain and it takes time to change your thoughts from one project to another. If you maintain your focus on a single project then your energy and thoughts remain concentrated instead of scattered by multiple projects.
Another of the biggest distractions is coworkers. One of them will often ask for your opinion or for your help with their project. This takes time and focus away from your tasks and if possible delay or avoid these time wasters. Saying “no” will help to avoid distractions. I know, it is difficult to just say no, so it may be better to tell them “As soon as I am done here” or “No, not right now”. This will give you time to finish the task at hand and by the time you finish, they may have forgotten they asked you for help or may have found a solution on their own. If not, then you can take the time to help them.
Sometimes your concentration just runs out causing all types of difficulties. You find yourself reading that paragraph for the tenth time and still don’t know what it meant, or you have been staring at the computer screen for who know how long and still don’t know what it means. Your brain is shutting down and you are becoming ineffective yet the deadline looms. Now is the time to distract yourself by getting up to get a drink, go to the restroom or take a short walk around the building, anything to get your mind off the task for a minute or so. When you return to the project you will be more effective and have lowered the stress level.
There are various exercises you can do while at your desk to help in reducing stress. Get a little stress ball and squeeze it regularly and do some stretching exercises while at your desk. When you work your muscles it helps maintain circulation and keeps you alert and aware. You won’t manage a full body workout sitting at your desk, but any amount of exercise will help to keep you focused.
If you take a look at your work space you may find that it is not comfortable for you. It may be noisy, or your desk may not be the proper height for you, or you may not be comfortable for other reasons. It may not be ergonomically correct. In order to work with as little distraction as possible you must be comfortable to avoid more stress. Having your office set up just right for you is the ticket. And addressing the little things in your office will assist you in working more consistently and confidently.
Stress in the workplace is a part of working. But, with proper management, it is possible to minimize it. When you do that work becomes more pleasant and you end up being more productive. Take care of yourself and the area around you first and the stress will not control you.
About the Author:Charlie Frograrth has an interesting blog on Stress Management. Visit it at Managing Stress
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Is Workplace Stress Necessary?
Filed under Family HealthApr 1Since we all must work, workplace stress is pretty much unavoidable. Once at work you find many things to stress about. This stress is not totally necessary as it is possible to manage with the right tools. You man not be able to avoid stress but you can try to manage it.
Workplace stress is often manifested by everything needing to be completed today. As an example, your boss has already given you dozens of things to do, each with equal importance. Of course, there isn’t enough time to do all of them justice. And in addition, your boss comes and asks about a report or project completed sometime ago and when you get that, here is more work to do. It appears never ending but it is manageable.
Begin to manage the stress by focusing on one task at a time. If you attempt to multi-task you will not be successful as it causes you to constantly change your focus. This takes time and makes extra demands on your brain as you change your thoughts from one task to another and back. Maintaining your focus on a single project helps to keep your thoughts and energy concentrated instead of being scattered by multiple projects
Another of the biggest distractions is coworkers. One of them will often ask for your opinion or for your help with their project. This takes time and focus away from your tasks and if possible delay or avoid these time wasters. Saying “no” will help to avoid distractions. I know, it is difficult to just say no, so it may be better to tell them “As soon as I am done here” or “No, not right now”. This will give you time to finish the task at hand and by the time you finish, they may have forgotten they asked you for help or may have found a solution on their own. If not, then you can take the time to help them.
There are times when your concentration just disappears causing many difficulties. You end up staring at the computer screen without being able to figure out what it means or you read the same paragraph over and over without comprehending it. At times like this you aren’t being effective so it is necessary to break your focus before you miss the deadline. Get up and take a walk around the building, go to the restroom, get a drink and when you come back to your desk, you will be refreshed and ready to continue. You will have reduced the stress level and will be able to work effectively.
Desk exercises are also helpful in reducing stress. One of those spongy stress balls that you squeeze is helpful, as are stretches done at your desk. Working the muscles helps with circulation, keeping you aware and alert. Needless to say, you aren’t going to manage a full body workout at your desk, but even a little exercise can allow you to maintain focus.
If you take a look at your work space you may find that it is not comfortable for you. It may be noisy, or your desk may not be the proper height for you, or you may not be comfortable for other reasons. It may not be ergonomically correct. In order to work with as little distraction as possible you must be comfortable to avoid more stress. Having your office set up just right for you is the ticket. And addressing the little things in your office will assist you in working more consistently and confidently.
A part of working is stress in the workplace. Using proper stress management techniques can minimize the stress. Once the stress is minimized work becomes more pleasant leading to more productivity. If you take care of yourself and the work area around you first then the stress will not control you.
About the Author:Charlie Frograrth has a successful blog on Managing Stress. Visit it at Managing Stress
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