Stress at Work Workplace stress is a motivating factor and absolutely normal. However, excessive stress can interfere with our performance and have an impact on our physical and emotional health. It can also affect our relationships and personal life. It can even determine success or failure on the job. As stated earlier, stress helps us stay active and ready to meet challenges. But when stress exceeds its desirable limits or our ability to cope, it stops being helpful and creates issues with our mind and body. If stress on the job is interfering with your work performance, health, or personal life, it’s time to take action. No matter what you do for a living, or how stressful your job is, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your overall stress levels and regain a sense of control at work. Common causes of stress include: • Fear of losing the job. • Pressure to perform. • Lack of freedom. • Not wanting to do the assigned Job • Working under someone • Taking orders from someone • Team dynamics • Over work Symptoms and warning signs When you feel overwhelmed at work, you lose confidence and may become angry, irritable, or withdrawn. Other signs and symptoms of excessive stress at work include: • Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed • loss of interest in work • Problem in sleeping • Body weakness and fatigue • Trouble concentrating • Muscle tension or headaches • Stomach problems • Social withdrawal • Using alcohol or drugs to cope • Isolation • Absenteeism • Avoidance of work and people • Procrastination ACTION for handling stress Talk to your team. Listen to your team and co-workers. Try helping them in their issues. If you don’t have a close friend at work, make one now. Talk to your family. Let your family know of your situation even if it is difficult for you to express. Do It TODAY. Not telling will do more harm to everyone than telling. Create new friendships. Meet new people with common interests by taking a class or joining a club. Help people, help other people. Physical fitness. Body comes first. That should the first priority. Without a comfortable body, we can’t achieve anything. That means regular, moderate exercise, walk, breathing, yoga or whatever keeps your body in good condition. Don’t over do but YOU MUST DO! Sugar: Reduce your sugar intake if it’s beyond normal levels Reduce your intake of coffee. Avoid nicotine. Check your Alcohol consumption. Sleep Properly for 8 Hrs. The better rested you are, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle your job responsibilities and cope with workplace stress. Sleep at a specific time and get up at a specific time to maintain sleep cycle. If you are not sleeping well, nothing can take away your stress and anxiety. Create a balance. Balance your time for your work, leisure and relationships and personal development Its all about balance. Any one aspect ignored is a perfect stairway to an imbalanced life. Plan, schedule and discipline. Plan your schedule and try to adhere to it. Maintain the discipline in your timings and schedules. Don’t get into over stretching or over committing mode. One step at a time. Focus on one step at a time. Don’t keep thinking of the entire process always. Delegate responsibility. You don’t have to do it all yourself. Let go of the desire to control everything. Be realistic. When you set unrealistic goals for yourself, you’re setting yourself up to fall short. Aim to do your best; no one can ask for more than that. Negativity is not an option. You don’t have the luxury of thinking negative. That option is not there. Fight all your negative thoughts with all your forces. Lighten up. Smile at yourself. Don’t take work too seriously; find ways to lighten your mood by sharing a joke or funny story or smiling at your own stressful situation. Monu I am Fine.