Tip #473: 5 Tips For Managing Your Stress At Work

In today's challenging business world, we are expected to do more in less time and often with fewer resources. The stress of keeping up with these demands can quickly lead to job burnout.    

By learning to manage your time in a way that helps reduce stress, you will ultimately help improve job satisfaction and productivity.

Determine Your Stress Points.

The first step in reducing stress is pinpointing the source(s).  There are many online tools to help you determine the source of stress in your life.

Once you know the triggers, the next step is understanding the way you react to stress and devising new ways to handle stressful situations more effectively.  The following tips will set you on the path to reduced stress and increased job satisfaction.

5 Tips For Managing Your Stress At Work:

Tip #1: Delegate, Delegate, Delegate - If you are like most people, you probably have more work on your desk than you can possibly handle in a day.  By delegating tasks to others on your team, whenever possible, you can take some of the burden off of your shoulders.  Are you a perfectionist who has trouble giving up "control" of your work?  Try starting slow, delegating low-yield work at first. As you see that others on your team are capable, you will gain more confidence in "letting go."  And, as team members gain your trust, they too will become more confident in their abilities and will be more willing to take on higher-level tasks, thus reducing your stress level even further.

Tip #2: Learn To Say "No" - While it's true that you must be willing to take on additional responsibilities in order to get ahead in your career, you also need to recognize when you are at your limit.  Stretching yourself too thin can lead to low-quality work and even higher stress levels.  Accepting new tasks that you do not have time to complete, may actually cause harm to your career in the end.  So when your plate is full, focus on the tasks at hand before accepting new challenges.

Tip #3: Avoid Negative Energy - Getting caught up in office gossip or politics is a distraction that can cost time and energy you could be devoting to your work.  Gossiping co-workers or those who complain incessantly give off a negative energy.  Steering clear of negative co-workers will help you stay focused on your own work.

Tip #4: Adjust Your Attitude - Instead of dwelling on the things that you don't like about your job, why not focus on the positive?  Try making a list of the aspects of your job that give you the most satisfaction.  This can help reaffirm your passion in your career.  When you are feeling negative or overworked, reviewing this list can rejuvenate you and help refocus those negative feelings.

Tip #5: Do Not Burn Yourself Out - As the expression says, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."  But it can also make Jack downright burned out.  Trying to get too much done in the office and not leaving time for yourself can lead to exhaustion, which is a major contributing factor in job burnout.  It's important to use your time out of the office as a way to recharge your batteries.  Catch up on your sleep.  Increase your activity.  Spend quality time with friends and family.  In the end, a healthy mind and body will help you to better cope with the daily stresses in the office.

Executive Summary:  While it's impossible to eliminate all of the stress in life, making small changes in your work habits and daily lifestyle can go a long way in helping to reduce your stress level.  Learning to delegate tasks, not taking on more than you can handle and focusing on the positive aspects of your job will lead to a happier and more productive work life, which can only lead to a happier and healthier home life. 

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