According to the American Institute of Stress, approximately 83% of workers in the United States suffer from workplace stress, with just over 25% saying the top stressor in their life is their job. Even those who love and are passionate about their work experience stressful situations such as struggling to meet a deadline or an excessive workload. While a manageable amount of stress can be healthy and motivating, chronic stress can become physically, emotionally, and mentally debilitating.
Some of the common sources of workplace stress are:
· Lack of control over professional decisions
· Low salaries
· Lack of opportunities for upward mobility & growth
· Conflict or tension with coworkers/management
· Lack of engaging work
Work-related stress can take a serious toll on your physical health, causing you to experience its symptoms even when you are away from the office. Learning to cope with your stress in a healthy way can enhance your productivity at work and help your mental and emotional well-being. Here are some steps you can take to manage your stress at work:
· establish healthy boundaries with your colleagues and superiors
· set aside time for yourself to unwind and relax
· develop healthy relationships with your colleagues
· develop a support system outside of work
· track your triggers and establish healthy responses