Stress at work is normal. Managing relationships, performing well, developing new skills and problem-solving are sources of discomfort all present an element of workplace stress that is healthy; stress is an essential component of intellectual and emotional growth.
– Feeling physically ill when thinking about work.
– Procrastinating on work-related tasks.
– Avoiding meetings, new projects, or work events.
– Poor productivity and work performance.
– Constant worrying.
Triggers such as an excessive workload, lack of support, control over job-related decisions, and challenging relationships can lead to anxiety in the workplace. Here are four ways to cope with anxiety in a high-stress work environment:
The first step to managing anxiety is recognizing its symptoms and understanding that our brain is only trying to help us stay safe. Pausing to acknowledge this triggers the rational, cognitive portion of our brain.
Tracking your negative thoughts – writing them down – helps remove the emotional component so you can treat them as data and examine them with curiosity.
Job-related anxiety won’t dissipate if you work around the clock. The solution: don’t bring work home with you. This may be easier said than done in today’s work environment, where boundaries between home and office blur in hybrid and remote office scenarios.