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Finding Work Stress Relief

Work is stressful, and for a lot of people it can make them sick, that’s why it’s important to find work stress relief. Sometimes work related stress even causes disability, illness or death. Lots of things cause work related stress, but three stand out the most: the work itself, management, and people. Finding stress relief in any or all of these areas should help.

Work Stress Relief and the Work You’re Doing

It might seem like some jobs are more stressful than others, like being an ER doctor who deals with trauma, emergencies, and life-and-death decisions would be more stressful than, say, a convenience store clerk. If the ER doctor is skilled and experienced, though, his/her job might not be terribly stressful, but if the convenience store clerk is held up by two guys wearing masks and waving guns around, well, his job is pretty darn stressful that particular evening.

It’s all relative, and finding work stress relief may be a matter of learning and gaining more experience. Maybe you can find some stress relief by rearranging your office, getting things organized, or finding a better way to do something.

If you are under a lot of work related stress, actively search for things you can do to make your job less stressful while you actively manage your off-the-job stress so that you aren’t overwhelmed in all areas of your life.

Work Stress Relief and Management

Okay, some bosses are impossible. Most, however, are not, and those who are usually don’t last long. If you have an impossible boss and there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s imperative that you find ways to balance work and the rest of your life so that this one thing doesn’t take over and overwhelm you.

Most of the time, however, there is a reason for what your boss does or what she asks you to do. You can often get some stress relief by being assertive and standing up for yourself. Learn to gently and politely confront unreasonable demands and ask for explanations. Negotiate with your boss, respect yourself, and respect your boss. Most of the time, assertiveness, respect and communication will give you work stress relief with your boss or manager.

Work Stress Relief and People

If this wasn’t a huge issue, they wouldn’t have all those work training videos and books on, “How to Deal with Difficult People.” Co-workers, managers, customers, ancillary personnel—some days it seems like the whole world is filled with difficult people, and they are all sitting in your workspace.

You can get work stress relief from people by hiding in the bathroom, but it doesn’t work for long. You could take one of those courses on dealing with difficult people or be assertive and communicate, just like with bosses. You can even try to understand their point of view. Or, just try entertaining yourself by imagining that those difficult people are all Daffy Ducks or something.

There are some strategies that help, and there are some people that you’re stuck with but only for the time that you are at work with them. You do not have to socialize with them, and you may need to establish clear boundaries between work and not-work with these people.

Bottomline -- Work related stress costs you in wellness and well being, and it costs your employer in sick time and workman’s compensation claims. Getting work stress relief benefits both of you, and makes your life better and easier.