How do you manage work stress on a daily basis?
Managing work stress is something that many of us struggle with on a daily basis. Whether it's the pressure of completing a project, meeting deadlines, creating a last-minute presentation, dealing with difficult peers, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of our work. Stress can have a significant impact on our well-being and productivity. But, we can minimize its impact and stress by taking a few steps toward our well-being. Please share what helps you in the comments!
- Power of taking mini breaks. It's easy to get caught up in the mindset that working longer hours will lead to greater productivity. In reality, it often has the reverse effect. When we don't give ourselves time to rest and recharge, our stress levels can increase. It can make it even harder to focus and be productive. So, you can try to take mini breaks throughout the day, whether it's going for a walk outside, a quick run, doing a quick meditation, or simply stepping away from the desk for a few minutes. These mini-breaks help clear your mind and give you a better focus.
- Setting boundaries. It's important to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Try to set specific rules on how you want to get your work carried out and stick to them as much as possible. It could simply mean not checking emails or not taking on additional task when your plate seem to be full. By creating this separation, you are able to fully disconnect from work and give yourself time to relax and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of work.
- Finding healthy ways to manage stress. It can be different for everyone. For you it may be, exercise. Regular physical activity not only helps you relieve stress but also improves your overall mood and well-being. However, for others, it can be engaging in hobbies and interests outside of work, such as reading, painting, or playing a musical instrument, which helps to relax and unwind. But, finding these healthy ways helps one create a work-life balance and cope with work stress.
- Seeking support from others. A lot goes on than what seems on the surface. Having a good support network, whether it's friends, family, or colleagues, can make a world of difference. Sometimes just talking about your stressors and concerns with someone who understands can provide a great sense of relief. Please know we are also here with you to listen to and support you.
Managing work stress on a daily basis is a continuous effort that requires self-awareness, intentionality, and the willingness to prioritize self-care. Please know, that it's not only important for our well-being but also for our productivity and overall satisfaction and balance in both our personal and professional lives.
For me, managing stress while at work is close to impossible. I can't really take a mini break. I have to be present and hyper vigilant at all times. The only "break" I really get is my lunch break and I don't know how to "disconnect" for that 30 min anyway. I think about what needs to be done when I get back and what is going on in my absence. Both things I need to work on.
Boundaries would work if I knew how to set them and stick to them. Again, something I need to work on. Being a supervisor, I'm always on call, so there is that....
I use exercise as a big one for managing my stress after work. I strength train and cycle regularly, at least 5 days a week if my schedule allows.
Seeking support from others.....I come to 7cups regularly, read and participate in forums, find things that are close to what my issues are and find ways to apply them to my life and experiences....so far it has been working.........I had a bad experience with therapy and don't want to pay stupid amounts of money for something that may not work again.
@CyclingThroughLife Thank you for opening up, Cycling. It sounds like managing stress in your work environment with limited breaks can feel quite overwhelming. Setting boundaries while also being available for your team is a real challenge. You've found exercise after work helps, and seeking support from forums like this one - it's clear you're making efforts to care for yourself as best you're able given your responsibilities. What kinds of things do you do outside of work to help yourself relax and recharge?
I manage stress by giving myself a break. The break may include working out or watching tv. It could include going out to eat with family and friends. I just make sure the break is beneficial to my well being and me feeling better.
@TRINNN4L0VE It sounds like finding breaks that are beneficial for your well-being is important for managing your stress. You clearly put effort into caring for your mental health. What kinds of activities during your breaks help you feel recharged?
I usually save my coffee breaks and end up taking an hour long meal break instead. I'm someone who once I start working, stopping in the middle will seem like I'm being unproductive. I'm unlike my fellow colleagues, who can just drop everything and go for a break every two hours. A lot of the times, I'm in the middle of a task, where I can't make myself to just drop it and walk away. So, I end up finishing everything before I go for that hour long meal break. The only time I take more than one break is if I'm working 10hrs or more, because then, I'm entitled to 3 coffee breaks and 2 meal breaks (that's one hour and 45 minutes). When I work those shifts, I end up taking a 45 minute lunch break, and an hour long dinner break.
Aside from those breaks at work, after working hours, depending on which shift I did, I might go home to take a nap to recharge. Otherwise, I might end up venting about work stresses somewhere here in 7 Cups.
@Jaeteuk Thank you for sharing about your work routine. It sounds like focusing intently on tasks is important to you, yet it's also important to care for your well-being with breaks. You seem motivated to do your job well while also recharging as needed. How does it feel to take that longer break after working hard for an extended period?
The break feels good. Nice to be able to sit down, have a coffee, sometimes chat with other colleagues taking a break, read an ebook, check in with 7 Cups, or even playing games on my phone.
@Jaeteuk It sounds like taking breaks is important for your well-being. I'm glad to hear this break felt good for you. Taking some time to recharge can be helpful.
I take a break and time off. But there is this constant worry that when I return to work, I have so many things to do. I dread Sunday because I know the following day is a work day. I always get mild anxiety when I see messages from leaders. Oftentimes I don't want to open my email inbox because I am thinking that an issue or concern has been raised.
I am doing a 2 or 3-person job. I sleep late and my work seems never-ending.
How do you decide if it's time to leave? And if your mental health is at risk, will it still be an option to look for a job first before leaving?
@HappyDog83 It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety in your work. Constantly feeling overwhelmed and dreading the responsibilities you'll face can really take a toll on one's mental health. Have you found any small ways of coping lately that help provide some relief, even if just for short periods? We are all here with you to listen to and to support. <3