In order to keep your mental health safe and minimize the risk of suffering from stress, you must know how to manage your emotions and everything that comes with working under pressure.
Work stress is a problem that affects, today and on a global scale, the health of millions of workers.
It is the result, evidenced on a physical, emotional and mental level, of being exposed to strong changes, demanding challenges and pressures linked to employment . The phenomenon begins to affect the health and put the life of the population at risk when an imbalance occurs between the demands or requirements of the job and the tools, resources and capabilities that each person has at their disposal to cope with those orders or the excess of tasks assigned.
Having a heavy workload and few work breaks , as well as performing duties in a hostile environment that threatens well-being and harmony, thus generating a toxic work environment , are some of the main triggers of work stress .
Symptoms of work stress
The symptoms of work stress can be experienced on a physical, mental and emotional level, negatively affecting human ties, in the economic sphere and on the psychological level.
Nervousness, anxiety, irritability, depression, loss of concentration, dificultad para la decision making, insomnia o sleep disturbances, incremento de la blood pressure, pains (especialmente de cabeza), stomach upset, cardiovascular problems y lack of memory son las manifestaciones más comunes.
When work stress becomes chronic, unfortunately, Burnout syndrome usually appears. This situation translates into a marked decrease in performance and dehumanization or depersonalization (motorizing negative attitudes and behaviors such as insolence , absence of empathy , etc.), for example.
Always, in all cases, we must make an effort to protect mental health and, based on a healthy lifestyle, take care of each part of the body in order to live, as much as possible, longer and better.
Work fatigue and burnout are linked to stress caused by work issues.
Prevention strategies
It is really difficult to live without stress as an adult. Work overload affects and damages as much as unemployment , a job change or job instability : emotional intelligence is key to adapting to multiple circumstances and overcoming adversity in the least harmful way possible. There are also prevention strategies to considerably reduce the chance of suffering from stress .
To enhance productivity at work and stimulate professional progress while maintaining an optimal quality of life , it is advisable, first of all, to manage one's own emotions well and know how to identify warning signs.
Heavy breathing , excessive sweating or aggressive impulses in the face of a work discussion or various conflicts with colleagues , to indicate some common signs as a reference, must be able to be stopped and reversed so that confrontations or stressful episodes do not arise.
Good communication and listening skills, optimism and strengthened self-esteem help to function well in the work context. Organizing properly (keeping an agenda is very useful), managing time correctly, prioritizing tasks that must be completed in the short, medium and long term, taking small daily breaks and establishing limits so that there is no work-life imbalance are other important points.
Don't be afraid of delegating tasks ; avoid full-time availability and excessive connection through technology ; knowing how to detach yourself from work obligations during the vacation period ( digital disconnection is essential); guarantee free time to enjoy moments with family or friends, do recreational activities or do exercise and physical activity ; setting realistic work expectations (with the intention of being able to achieve them and avoid frustration ), having a balanced diet and achieving routines that facilitate sleep hygiene are also recommendations that should not be overlooked or ignored.
To be able to face the challenges, pressures and problems of the workplace, it is advisable to practice meditation and mindfulness, learn relaxation techniques and respect the rest time advised by health professionals to promote good physical and mental health.
Consequences of work stress
Work stress causes numerous consequences , but each individual suffers symptoms and effects in a unique way: that is why it is vital to learn to identify the signs at an early stage to ensure that the condition does not spread or worsen.
The extreme burden due to work issues that ends up complicating health leads to an increase in work absenteeism , unmotivated and distracted staff , a marked decrease in productivity and a high turnover of employees within the company. In this scenario, quality is inevitably lost in the product or service offered to consumers.
Work stress , as can be imagined and as can be seen from the previous paragraph, tires, sickens and harms the person hired in the first place, but the firm that gives the position or position to that subject also suffers inconveniences. It is advantageous for both parties, then, to commit to dialogue as a way to resolve conflicts or discomforts , to work towards work motivation , to relate with honesty , commitment and mutual respect and to understand the value of continuous training for the professional development and job growth .