Work and stress always go together. No matter what you do, you can’t separate the two. For some people, it’s a good thing, but in most cases, it can be bad for your wellbeing. In fact, work pressure is one of the leading causes of stress among Americans.
You want to be happier at work, but it’s just too much stress, especially when your tasks pile up. You finish one, but then there’s another task that you have to accomplish, but it takes so much time.
The worst part is, the stress can make you want to quit your job. But you can’t, because you have bills to pay, as part of adulting.
Of course, there’s a good and health kind of stress. But how do you know if your stress is bad for your wellbeing?
What are the Signs You’re Burnt Out?
When stress levels are going through the roof, it’s most likely a bad thing. Here are the signs that tell you you’re too stressed at work and it’s too much for your wellbeing.
- When you want to escape. If you feel like throwing it – the work – all away and booking a one-way ticket to the Maldives, it’s a definite sign. Dreaming of going off the grid for good and moving to a far, far away land is a symptom of being burnt out.
Experts say that escapism is often the outlet of worn out people. Avoidance is a coping mechanism where you try to get away from your job or you avoid it. You may be doing too much in the misguided hope that it will speed up your promotion. If it’s stressful, then it’s not good.
When you often mess up regular tasks.Messing up isn’t in your vocabulary, especially when it comes to easy tasks. But with stress in the picture, making slip-ups can happen more often than the usual.
If you have been spacing out most of the time, it’s another sign that says you’re burnt out. Being forgetful about the placement of things or your daily schedule is your mind and body’s way of telling you that you need to slow down.
- When you always feel tired.Sleep is a luxury that most adults struggle to afford. Being tired most of the time isn’t normal. If you’re always tired and sleepy, there’s something wrong. It means you’re overworking yourself too much. Your body needs all the rest it can get.
Don’t sacrifice a good eight hours of sleep just because you have to get something done. Pulling an all-nighter to please your boss may pay off the next day, but it will most likely cost you your health in the long run. Slow down, take a break, and close the laptop. It’s OK to rest.
- When you’re grumpier than the usual.Complaining a lot about your work and the tasks handed to you by your boss? That’s because you’re tired and overworked mind and body are experiencing an “overload burnout.” The lesson here is: don’t begrudgingly do your work.
Success will come when you’re happy and satisfied with what you’re doing. It may take a while, but don’t let your need for a milestone make your co-workers call you Mr. (or Ms.) Grumbles-a-Lot. A positive attitude will take you to places, not a grumpy one.
When you’re sick most of the time. Suffering from cough and colds more often? That’s your body’s way of telling you to stop and drop everything. Your body needs a breather. Headaches that won’t go away are signs that your brain is tired and you need to take a break.
Research has shown an association between physical health complaints and burnout. Don’t let work stress take the life out of you. Stop before higher levels of burnout lead to a much faster rate of physical health deterioration. Yes, now’s the time.
Being successful in your job will mean nothing if you always wind up in the hospital. Don’t let work stress get the best of you. The one thing you can do is to deal with stress at work before things get worse.
How Can You Deal with Stress at Work?
Meeting deadlines and running from one meeting to another can tire you out. Truth is, work stress is unavoidable. But you can handle it. Here are the most common types of stressful scenarios at work and the steps you need to do to manage the work stress.
A last-minute deadline is given to you. It’s inevitable and, for sure, it has happened to a lot of people. But it’s also unfortunate. Instead of lamenting and thinking, “Why can’t my boss give me more notice?” reframe your thought.
Focus on your action plan, instead of whining about it all day long. That won’t help. Once you get the job done, you can possibly talk to your boss about giving you a longer notice when handing out tasks.
A conflict with a co-worker is unavoidable. Having a fight with one of your workmates is bound to happen and there’s nothing you can do about it. Oh wait; there IS something you can do about it. Instead of pouncing in on your co-worker during a heated argument, be the bigger person.
Yes, patience is still a virtue. Don’t let yourself lose out of control, which happen in examples of trembling, crying, and raising your voice. Try to relax, inhale and exhale, and state your part.
A budget cut-off happened. Significant budget cuts can be devastating, but don’t let them get the best of you. Don’t freak out. Don’t worry until you know the reason for the budget cuts. Talk to your boss and find out what’s going on.
Plot how you will survive the budget cuts. It’s sad, but you can still work around the budget. There’s always a way out. Complaining won’t produce anything good, so you might as well come up with solutions.
Success under stress is possible; you just have to look at the bright side. There is always a way to maintain steady focus throughout the day, the week, the month, and the year. See to it that you still have energy left over at work.
Leave the stress at work and rest at home. Make this your mantra and be a happier person at work.
