Are You Stressed?
From time to time we all feel a little under pressure and stressed at work and at home. But when it gets serious what can we do.
Everyday stress
Stress creates problems when it leads to a loss of control and feelings of burnout. Working too hard causes stress and operating in such a state for a prolonged period of time leads to exhaustion. Without tackling the underlying issues an inability to work effectively and a sense of hopelessness take over. Such elements lead to illness, isolation, loneliness and poor decision-making. When stress reaches a peak it triggers tiredness, loss of enjoyment, low spirits, loss of interest, lack of motivation, and a lack of belief in a positive future. There are ways to identify early warning signs and take measures to ensure early symptoms don’t escalate out of control. They include spending time with family and friends, enjoying hobbies and leisure time, eating well and exercising regularly, and getting a good night’s sleep
Stress can also come from how you react to a particular situation rather than the specific details of the situation. People respond in different ways to similar circumstances, as stress is sparked by an internal response or an external reality. In the workplace, an ability to delegate to colleagues and say no helps manage stress. Reducing the time spent multi-tasking and creating sufficient space to complete one task at a time helps too. Smartphones and other technologies demand our attention and need to be carefully managed to avoid the build-up of anxiety and frustration. Ensuring protected time at work free of interruption also helps provide a sense of achievement and wellbeing.
The curse of busyness
The modern curse of busyness causes stress too, as we rush from one activity to another with little opportunity to slow down or reflect on how we should spend our time. Personal effectiveness is an early casualty of stress as a sense of proportion about what is important is lost in an attempt to get everything done. A little stress can be a good thing of course but when it becomes the norm it is time to take a new approach. Such a shift in behaviour may require a change in the way you work or even the need to look for a new job that offers a more balanced life.
Before making any drastic changes however it is worth spending some time doing what you enjoy, having good conversations, developing new relationships, and laughing as much as possible. Even such modest changes to our habits can nudge life back into balance, lessen stress, and help avoid burnout.
So, everyone gets stressed from time to time but it is crucial to do the little things that stop it developing to the level of burnout.
