It’s no secret that millions of women work in environments that present stress and discomfort. Though you aren’t alone if you deal with work stress, you do need to figure things out before more problems arise. By that, I mean adopting some coping skills to deal with stress and some understanding about why you allow yourself to stay on a stressful career path.
I believe that dealing with stress, whether it comes from a job, home, or another situation is necessary to maintain health and happiness. It is, therefore, my intention to help you do just that. No, I don’t know your specific situation, but I do know how important it is to be in touch with your needs, dreams, pain, and all emotions, for that matter.
Here are several ways to deal with work stress:
Know Why You Stay At Your Job
It’s important to be clear about your priorities in each area of your life. In this case, we’re talking about your job/career. Think about why you do what you do. Do you love what you do enough to put up with a stressful environment or person(s)? Of course, some jobs/careers wrote the book on job stress. And those first responders, ER docs/nurses, high school teachers, storm chasers, stock brokers, firefighters, and cops likely adore what they do. They are all in with the risks, stress, and rewards for putting themselves out there.
That said, if you feel that stress overshadows your love for the job you have, consider what you could do about that. Are you in a position to shift your responsibilities or delegate the tasks that stress you out? If not, allow yourself to imagine doing something you love somewhere else. Let’s talk about those two options in a little more detail below…
Tackle the Source of Stress Head-On
It might be possible to identify the specific things that are making you anxious and stressed out. If that’s the case, you could try to change certain aspects of your work life and see if it’s possible for you to cut out the stressful aspects of your job or to change them in some way. It might be as simple as talking to your boss about reducing the workload. If your issues stem from interacting with certain people, do talk to your boss about that, too. This is especially important if someone is harassing or crossing a line at work.
Look for Alternative Jobs
If your job is getting you down and it’s placing a huge emotional strain on you, it might be time to look at other opportunities in your field. I understand that leaving your job might not be the best option right now, but I encourage you to be open-minded about it. Simply setting an intention to be open to new opportunities could help shift your perspective. If you do pursue looking for something else, focus on finding a job that fits your passions and personality.
Find Ways to Relax Outside of Work
Finding ways to relax outside of work is essential for giving your mind and body time to rest. This starts with establishing a good work-life balance and spending ample time caring for yourself when you’re not focused on work. Think about what brings you joy and fulfills your interests. Try not to filter your desires and just do you! It’s OK to veg out and catch up on some TV shows. And, you’ll be glad to know that you can watch Hulu with VPN from anywhere! No matter how you relax and how long, be present and feel the experience completely.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
Often, work pressure doesn’t come from external forces but ourselves. If constantly expect yourself to do more and do it perfectly, your unrealistic demands could be hurting you. Stress is no joke. It can create emotional, physical, and mental health problems if you don’t deal with work stress. It’s important to know your limits and take full responsibility for creating a schedule that reflects this. Additionally, if you need help, ask for it!
When your job is stressful, you might be tempted to just keep the peace and do nothing. Although that might work for a while, eventually, it will catch up with you. Recognize what needs to change at your job and take the necessary steps to make it happen. I do recommend that you think through all of your options before making any decisions. Remember, change can be stressful as well.