You know there must be a problem with work when you are the happiest leaving it and the most depressed going back. That’s exactly what happened to a job candidate recently who made the decision to quit their job and start a new life. They called their work stress “the dreads” and on the way to work every morning would start dreading the thoughts of having to spend another day at the office.
Even though the uncertainty in moving toward a new job can be scary, it’s worth the risk if it prevents stress that affects your physical and mental well being. The job you have today could easily be the job that two people had three years ago and over time, stress can sneak up on you.
For the majority of employees, stress is easy to recognize when the physical symptoms of a racing heart and the sleepless nights over work keep you awake. It’s the unrecognizable stress that often creates the worst health issues.
The crazy work stress that is harmful is the symptoms that aren’t so easy to recognize and instead are disguised as bad habits such as never taking a break, or skipping lunch. The employees who never complain and instead take the punches stress brings on a daily basis can be the ones most susceptible to health problems.
Stressors such as trying to handle too much work all at one time with no end in sight can take a toll on you even if you thrive on challenges. Developing a mindset of being immune to hard work continuously without a break is also unhealthy.
Here are some things you do to manage stress:
Stress starts with your mindset, such as focusing on how to solve the extra workloads without hiring more employees. Instead of reacting, start brainstorming ways to find a creative solution to the problem.
Make an appointment for a physical check-up. High blood pressure happens with not much warning and over a period of time can be harmful.
Practice setting healthy work boundaries and keep them. It’s important to know the difference between being flexible toward helping your employer during a time of crisis and when your work environment stays in a crisis mode.
Take a break from your work routine and start networking with others in your career field before you need to. Working long hours and forgoing time with friends will not protect you from a sudden job loss.
Working long hours at a fast pace does not necessarily produce bad stress; it’s how you think about the long hours and whether you think that what you do really matters. Making your work meaningful can be a good way to manage stress, and it gives you purpose.
Listen to your body when it’s time to move on and do something different. Start by making a plan of action, even if it is only to start reading a book in your field of interest or taking coursework that will lead to a new start. The point is to listen and take action.
How do you handle crazy work stress?
