As you know, stress effects us daily. Job stress is different because we choose to go to work, usually because we have to, so we just get used to the personal demands of the job. We expect it, anticipate it. So sometimes it surprises us when we start having the ill effects of this daily grind. It effects our health. Our relationships. Our overall happiness. Here's a few more ways to control that stress.
6. GET A LIFE OUTSIDE OF WORK. Our jobs often tend to extend beyond the normal work hours. In addition to taking work home, we can also think (or worry) about it when we're not there. Also (hopefully) taking time to recover from the exhaustion that's caused by a stressful job. Our lives can tend to revolve around our work. However, if our whole life is our job, and that job isn't very enjoyable, then our whole life isn't enjoyable. Develop other interests. Hang out with friends. Pay attention to your partner (date night?). Go out with your family. Exercise. Then you have other things to think about, and to do. Something to look forward to after work. This will help reduce your overall stress, including your work stress.
7. LET A PICTURE MAKE YOU SMILE. Either on your desk, or in your pocket (or in your phone), have a picture that's guaranteed to make you smile. Baby pictures work well, or a pet, or a beautiful memory. When your frustration is building at work, or disappointments are mounting up, take a look at the picture. Let it make you feel good, as well as remind you of the REALLY important things in your life.
8. DON'T BUY INTO THE NEGATIVITY OF OTHERS. This is not always easy. Especially if you are already stressed, not really happy at the time (for your own reasons). You may readily engage in their negativity to help rationalize your distress. Let toxic coworkers know not to bring you their drama, their complaints, their gossip. It may be difficult at first to set boundaries for them, and you may lose them as work compadres (aka frienemies), but you'll be better off.
9. STOP SEEING YOURSELF AS STUCK IN A "DEAD END" JOB. Develop a different perspective of the job, and of yourself in the job. The way you characterize your job exists in your head. You are in control of what goes on in there (though it may not feel like it sometimes). If your job is getting you down, realize that you are allowing that to happen. Take action. Acknowledge it as the challenge that it is, then rise to meet the challenge. Focus on the opportunities to be successful, and take pride in your ability to overcome obstacles even in the worst situations. Even though you may not like the job, it's always better when you feel good about yourself.
10. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. And there is so much "small stuff" that if you aren't careful, it will build up and wear you out. That's called BURNOUT. So be mindful that the big things, for example a possible layoff, poor work evaluation, or an impending promotion, deserve your attention. The small stuff may require a certain amount of work to resolve, but does not deserve your sweat, or worry, or stress. So deal with it and forget it. Move on. You will do a better job, and you will feel better.
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