There’s one thing every employer would like to see on a job résumé: “I thrive under stress.”
If that statement doesn’t apply to you, it’s time for both an attitude adjustment and a close look at where your career path is headed.
Sometimes job stress is caused by mismanagement by your boss or his/her superiors. When a worker is given more responsibilities than can be reasonably expected for the time period allowed, stress is the result – for both the worker and the boss. This can happen when your supervisor thinks you have more skills than you do, or when there are staffing shortages. If it’s a chronic situation, you need to do something about it as soon as possible.
Chronic job stress can lead to physical illness, including heart disease, diabetes and other health problems, according to new studies on workplace satisfaction. Additionally, those who work under constant job stress tend to be very unhappy at work, which can lead to depression.
Sometimes job stress stems from within as an outward manifestation of feelings of inferiority.
Sometimes job stress results from unclear communication. You can’t do your job properly if you don’t understand the assignment. A supervisor who fails to give a worker all pertinent information related to a task is setting up that worker to fail.
If your boss is vague about his/her expectations, ask for clarification. Say, “I’m not clear on exactly what you want. Will you spell it out for me, please?” A good boss will not be annoyed at such requests. If your boss reacts with irritation, it may be time to think about finding another employer.
One thing that builds job confidence, and therefore reduces job stress, is happiness. If you find you’re nearly always unhappy with your work, your home, your life, it’s time to call a psychiatrist or psychologist to be evaluated for depression. It may be that the stress you feel in the workplace is not related to your job at all. It may be that there are other factors contributing to dissatisfaction on the job.
Find some happiness by telling yourself, “As soon as I complete this assignment, I’m going to buy tickets for a Broadway play.” Or, “When I have successfully completed this project and met the deadline, I’m going to get a massage.”
Speaking of massage, this is a great way to reduce stress. Regular massages, on a weekly or monthly basis, can go a long way toward adding rewards to your life. Massage is great for relaxation because it helps the body rid itself of tension and toxins that can create health problems.
Adding exercise to your daily or weekly routine can also be a great stress reducer. Yes, you hate to exercise. But even if all you do is walk around your neighborhood two or three times a week, that alone will help to quell some job stress. You might even consider taking a break in the middle of your work day in order to walk around the block a few times to let off steam.
