I have decided to call my career/business related posts: Career Corner! I will most likely forget I have decided this by the time I write the next blog, but for today, career corner it is!
On today's episode of career corner, we talk about work stress. I don't care what your career is, how much you love your company/boss/job - there will always be work stress and it will always feel like the most unbearable thing that ever existed.
Some careers and industries are more stressful than others and some people handle stress better than others, but the common denominator is that we will all go through it.
So how do you manage work stress? As someone who works in one of the top 5 most stressful industries in the world, I like to think I am partially qualified to speak on this all too common topic.
Take a Breath
When work stress hits the first thing you need to do is take a breath and step outside the situation. Take 30 seconds to take a breath, digest, and gain perspective. If you don't take a moment to pull back from the situation - the stress just builds and you're not able to get an overview of what's happening. That's how you lose your shit and get fired.
Problem Solve
When you've taken your breath and inventory of the cause of the stress, start problem solving. I tell my staff to never be afraid to bring me stressful situations but do make sure you've come up with a few solutions before you bring me the problem. When you have even one potential solution, you're able to calm your nerves and see that nothing is impossible.
Reflect
Why is this stress happening? Did you cause the stress? Is the stress warranted? Did someone else cause the stress? Figuring out where it came from and why (or if its even necessary stress) is how you can potentially prevent future stress as well as manage it moving forward.
In the moment - these three steps will help you to effectively and professionally manage a really stressful situation. But how do you manage everyday stress and set yourself up for future incidents?
Find a Distraction
Take a walk. Grab coffee. Call a friend. Whatever you're able to do that gives you immediate joy, do it. Make sure you're setting up your workspace to maximize your center. Eat healthy. Drink your water. Bring photos that make you smile. Surround yourself with distractions that lift you up and keep you in a generally good head space.
Communicate
If you're in a situation where others are the cause of your stress, communicate with them. Often times, people aren't aware of their actions and having a respectful conversation with the right people can develop relationships that promote teamwork and teach others how to properly do their part to make work life less stressful.
Step Away from Work
Leave work at work. I know, I'm terrible at this. But bein able to shut off work when you leave will hugely affect your headspace. Don't read emails. Turn off the work cell. Go to the gym. Cook meals. Enjoy time with your friends and family. Do the things that enrich who you are outside of the 9-5 and you will make a huge difference in who you are at work. Do not let your work stress consume your entire world.
Be Self Aware
Are you the cause of your work stress? Are you making things stressful that don't need to be? Are you perhaps in an industry that really isn't the best fit for you? Do a self check in and determine if you can do anything to mitigate work stress. Sometimes we create stress for ourselves that simply doesn't exist. And sometimes we work in jobs that aren't the right fit. Take responsibility and do the work to help ease the stress in your professional life.
I wish I could tell you that I've been able to completely manage my work stress, overcome, and lead some Zen work life - but I'm human. I have days that I am completely overwhelmed, threaten to leave, and consider moving to Europe. I quickly remember that I am not a billionaire, need to pay bills to give my dog a better life, utilize the tools in my arsenal, and reset my mind to fight back against the stress.
