Whether you work a 9-5 for yourself, or someone else, at the beginning of the year you are bound to have work related stress. You are just coming back from the holidays and things have piled up on your desk, the same stuff that was there when you took off for Christmas and New Years, and has been nagging at the back of your mind all through your vacation. Its January, the stress is there.
The deadlines, paper work, irate clients and bosses, the details, and so on will all affect the productivity of your work and your emotional, mental and physical factor will be put to the test.
So let’s take a look at how we can manage some of this work-related stress and help you to keep your sanity!
1. Start small. The key to keeping a balanced career is to not let an anthill of a problem turn into a mountain. Pay attention to details, and solve these problems one-by-one before they pile up. Make it your resolution this year to try to get rid of the habit of postponing your problems for later because you just don’t know what’s going to pop up on your desk tomorrow.
2. Keep your cool. Irate and demanding clients can add to any problems you may be having on the job. Since your life and career revolves around them, you need to tread carefully while handling their problems. Just keep your cool while listening to their rants and raves. Don’t let their anger affect you. Try to smile inside, think happy thoughts – maybe even tune them out just a little bit, but be sure to tune them back in to understand what their issue is. When they are finished with their ranting, simply ask “Ok, so let’s tackle this issue one step at a time.”
3. Take a break once in a while. Know your limits while working. You aren’t built to work 24 hours a day so keep a close eye on your body before it gets too tired and worn down. If you think that the work is starting to affect your thinking or when you start to get irritable, try to take some time off and listen to music or get a cup of coffee to help you relax. Maybe even go for a walk and get some fresh air – just get out of there to clear your mind and ease your body.
4. Make yourself comfy. If you have your own cubicle at work then decorate or customize it to make your workplace as comfortable as possible. A cushion on your chair to prop your back, a foot stool to help your legs relax, or even some pictures that will remind you of fun times to take your mind off your problems for a short period of time.
5. Pamper, pamper, pamper yourself! Sometimes work can be so demanding that itís almost impossible to get a vacation even just one little day. You need to find ways to take some time off and pamper yourself before you continue with your work. If you have some free time, try to hook up with some health clinics around the area and get a massage. Some massage techniques can help you relax and will leave you energize for work afterwards; while some can relieve you of your aches and pains so that you can proceed with your work without worries of annoying muscle cramps. Take a look into aromatherapy, a hot bubble bath, get your nails done (guys too)…anything that will help relax your mind and body.
Stress management at your workplace will not only help your body cope with the problems at work, but will also help you in maintaining the productivity that your career needs. You will be on your way to work-life balance if you take the time to take care of YOU and not just focus on your work.
