We think about work when you first get up in the morning, when getting ready to go to work, when we travel to work, while at work, on the drive home from work, when we check our phone/messages at home and several times in the evening as we go back over the workday - the list goes on.
This means we can spend up to 11 hours thinking about work. With us sleeping an average of 7-8 hours each night, that doesn't leave much time for ‘you’. So, it is important (imperative) that you start to take some control of the stressors of work.
The leading causes of workplace stress are; insufficient breaks, illness, difficult people, a lack of control and, the environment.
Here's what you can do to start changing things for the better;
Breaks - You should take regular breaks every hour. Get up out of your chair and move around to get the blood flowing, and to refresh your brain. Importantly, have a break away from computers and mobile devices during this time – a screen break.
Illness - If you are sick, stay at home. Your colleagues don't want your germs and going to work when sick will only extend your illness. Plus, you will not be at your best therefore tasks will be more difficult for you than usual.
Difficult People - Most workplaces have at least one person who is either grumpy, annoying, loud, arrogant, overbearing or just downright rude. Apart from bringing the shortcoming to their attention, which may be an option if done correctly, don't let their actions impact you. Ignore them, or better still, become their friend. Find out more about that person who annoys you and you may well realise why they are the way they are, helping you change your opinion of them.
Lack of Control - "You can only control what you can control". Suggest how to change things in your workplace; offer to assist in some way to make things better, or even change the way that you do things as long as it is within policy.
Environment - We all need natural light. If you work in a place where there is no natural light, then you need to get outside during your scheduled breaks to get sunlight. We need at least 20 minutes of sunlight each day to produce melatonin and serotonin, the stuff that aids sleep.
Changing just one of these five workplace stressors could just change your life, so what change are you going to make first?
Let's talk!
Managing Workplace Stressors!