Do you ever feel like one more straw would break the camel’s back from an overwhelmed schedule at work during the holiday season? If you do, you are not alone. According to the American Institute of Stress, at least 80 percent of workers feel stress on the job.
It’s easy to accumulate stress when deadlines are drawing near from end of year projects and working excessive overtime hours. However, identifying the signs of stress early on can help you prevent a negative attitude and enjoy this time of year.
The key in managing stress is distinguishing what areas of your work life you can control and which ones you need to let go. Avoiding stress is impossible; however, you can learn to be in charge of how you respond to it.
Here are seven ways to manage stress at work:
With the flurry of activities at an all time high give up useless anxiety, the kind of worry that keeps your thoughts stuck in a loop replaying the day’s events and anticipating tomorrow’s news. Recognize the difference between worrying and solving problems.
Take a lunch break, as tempting as it might be don’t skip it or eat at your desk. Take a break and if you go with a co-work avoid talking about work.
While daydreaming may seem like a waste of time, in reality it helps you problem solve. Giving your mind a break from focusing too hard on one problem can help you gain clarity.
Give up your desire to control the uncontrollable at work. This calls for accepting that the only person you can control is you and as much as you would like others to change, the reality is dwelling on your lack of ability to control situations creates a tremendous amount of stress.
Prioritize your tasks, finish the projects you dread the most first and you feel much more productive and less pressure.
Manage conflicts with co-workers in an effective way requires an understanding of negotiating; deciding what you need to get and what you are willing to give up.
Laughter is a great coping skill, make the time to have some fun and enjoy the holidays while you are working.
What causes you the most stress at work during the holidays?
