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Work-related stress and how to fix it

Do you feel like you're constantly stressed out at work? You're not alone! Work-related stress is a real problem, and it can have some serious consequences if left untreated. Luckily, there are ways to fix it.

In this blog post, we'll discuss what causes work-related stress and how to deal with it. We'll also share some tips for reducing stress in the workplace. Hopefully, this information will help you manage your stress levels and improve your overall well-being.

What is stress?

Stress is the body's response to any demand placed on us. When we perceive that we're under threat, our body kicks into fight-or-flight mode, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

These hormones help us to better deal with the situation at hand, but they also have some negative side effects, like increased heart rate and blood pressure.

While a little bit of stress can be beneficial (like when it motivates you to meet a deadline), too much stress can have serious consequences on your mental and physical health.

Chronic stress can cause headaches, digestive problems, sleep disorders, and even heart disease. It can also make you more susceptible to anxiety and depression.

To assess your stress levels, order a Welzo Cortisol Blood Test today!

What are the 5 factors influencing work stress at the workplace?

1. Job insecurity - With the current state of the economy, it's no wonder that job insecurity is one of the leading causes of workplace stress.

The majority of UK adults reported having felt overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point over the last year.

If you're worried about losing your job or being laid off, it can be hard to focus on your work and be productive.

2. Long hours - According to statistics, the average British worker works 36.5 hours per week.

And when you add in commute time and after-work obligations, many people are working upwards of 50 hours per week! It's no wonder we're all feeling stressed.

3. Excessive workload - Along with working long hours, many individuals are also dealing with an excessive workload.

In fact, a Gallup poll found that It is estimated that 60% of the workers are emotionally detached at work, and 19% are unhappy at work.

This can lead to feelings of frustration and overwhelm, which can quickly turn into stress.

4. Lack of control - A lack of control over your work can also cause stress. If you feel like you're constantly being micromanaged or you don't have any say in how your work is done, it's only natural to start feeling stressed out.

5 . Poor communication - Finally, poor communication from management can also contribute to workplace stress. If you feel like your boss doesn't respect your ideas or input, it can make it hard to feel motivated and engaged in your work.

How to manage work-related stress?

Just because stress is common doesn't mean it isn't serious; unmanaged stress can lead to everything from anxiety and depression to high blood pressure and heart disease.

So what can you do to cope with stress at work? Here are some of the tried-and-true tips.

Take a Break

When you start to feel your stress levels rising, take a few minutes to yourself to centre yourself and clear your head.

Step away from your desk, take a lap around the office, or even just close your eyes and take some deep breaths.

It may seem counterintuitive, but taking a break will actually help you be more productive when you return to work.

Set Some Boundaries

One of the main sources of stress at work is feeling like you're never really "off the clock." If you're constantly checking your work email after hours or bringing work home with you on the weekends, it's time to set some boundaries.

Let your boss and co-workers know that you're not available after hours unless it's an emergency, and make it a point to leave work at work when you leave the office for the day.

You'll be surprised how much better you feel—and how much more productive you are—when you have some solid delineation between work time and personal time.

Make a List—and Stick to It!

One of the quickest ways to get overwhelmed and stressed at work is by trying to keep everything in your head all at once. Instead, start each day by making a list of everything you need to accomplish.

Once you have your list, prioritise each item in order of importance; that way, if something comes up that throws off your schedule, you'll already know what can be put off till later without derailing your entire day.

And don't forget to use that list! Checking things off as you go will help you stay focused and on track—and prevent small tasks from falling through the cracks and snowballing into major stressors.

Find an Outlet

Whether it's venting to a friend or family member about your day over dinner or hitting the gym after work to blow off some steam, finding an outlet for your stress is crucial for maintaining your mental health both in and out of the office.

Doing things like exercise and meditation can also help improve your focus and concentration during the workday while helping reduce stress in the long run.

Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help

If despite your best efforts nothing seems to be working and your stress levels are constantly through the roof, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help.

A therapist can help provide additional tools and resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression—all of which can impact both your professional and personal life if left unchecked.

Conclusion:

Stress is unfortunately a common occurrence in today's workplace—but that doesn't mean it should be ignored or left unmanaged. If job-related stress has become a regular part of your life, try implementing some or all of these five coping mechanisms into your daily routine.

Remember: seeking professional help is nothing to be ashamed of! If despite your best efforts nothing seems to be working, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance from a qualified mental health professional.

To find out more about how to manage your mental health and lifestyle, visit our Welzo Health Hub now!