2 Key Ingredients to Managing Workplace Stress

1. Noticing.

Begin to observe and keep a note of what causes you stress on a daily basis. Is it always the same thing or type of situation which cause stress for you? Take this a step further and begin to notice how you are responding to these stressors, what are the thoughts, feelings and emotions brought about by the stress and what is your actual response?

2. Choose an alternative response.

If the way in which you react to stress in the workplace is not helpful to you and is damaging your communication, clarity, fulfilment or relationships then it’s time to start choosing to respond differently. Think about a stressful situation and consider what a preferable ideal response might look like. How can you move 1 small step closer to this outcome next time the situation arises?

It is likely that in order to respond in a way that better serves you, you are going to need to pause and reflect for a few moments to ensure you don’t respond emotionally.

It’s easier said than done, but workplace stress is one of the biggest causes of burnout, lack of presence at home and physical/mental health issues so it’s worth the effort.