Managing stress
We have looked at signs and symptoms of stress
and there are particular ways to help and care and manage an individual who is experiencing
this. Taking regular breaks, getting better organized and learning to relax helps you
manage your own stress. You can also take a look at your priorities, focus on positive
things and improve your lifestyle generally, through diet, exercise and by making sure
you get enough sleep. Finding someone you can confide in about your feelings and maintaining
a stress diary to help you spot what's triggering your stress can also help. Support from others
can also help, whether it's from a stress counsellor, a colleague or a manager at work,
from friends or family or from your own GP. In some organisations, a trade union representative
may be able to support and guide you through the right direction. Outside of work, there
is assistance from the advice bureau or local authorities may be able to help you deal with
stress and help you to resolve any issues that are the root problem that is creating
the stress.To help recognise potential triggers in the workplace, we need to be aware when
our colleagues are presenting different indicators when they are acting differently from their
normal self. We generally know when a colleague or family member is physically ill by the
signs and symptoms they are displaying. So this should be similar in recognising non-physical
symptoms in a work colleague, that they are acting differently from their usual self.
In today's society, the level of expectation in the workplace is far higher than it was
perceived to be many years ago. The fact that the traditional nine to five regime has disappeared
for many, that people are required to work on their phones and tablets from home in the
evenings, to feel that they are on call 24 hours a day in some cases, has left little
time for people to de-stress and relax. There is also an associated element of fear with
regard to expressing emotions or admitting to feeling pressure in the workplace. There
is a fear that feeling stressed and anxious could mean being overlooked for promotions,
or not being given opportunities or being left out of team decisions. This is wrong
and potentially leads to feelings of isolation or being ostracised, one in which self-esteem
is diminished.
Managing Stress: Strategies and Support
Strategies to Manage Stress
- Take Regular Breaks: Ensure you schedule breaks to relax and recharge.
- Get Organised: Improve time management skills to reduce stress from deadlines and tasks.
- Learn to Relax: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness.
- Review Priorities: Focus on important tasks and delegate or eliminate less crucial ones.
- Focus on Positivity: Cultivate a positive mindset and seek out uplifting experiences.
- Improve Lifestyle: Enhance diet, exercise regularly, and ensure adequate sleep for overall well-being.
- Confide in Someone: Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor.
- Maintain a Stress Diary: Track stress triggers to better understand and manage them.
Support Systems for Managing Stress
Seeking support can significantly aid in managing stress, both at work and outside:
- Professional Support: Consult with a stress counsellor or your GP for tailored assistance.
- Workplace Support: Colleagues, managers, or trade union representatives can provide guidance and support.
- External Assistance: Local advice bureaus or authorities can offer resources to address underlying stressors.
Recognising Stress in Colleagues
It's crucial to be observant of signs of stress in colleagues to offer appropriate support:
- Be attentive to behavioural changes that indicate stress, similar to recognising physical illness symptoms.
- Acknowledge the elevated expectations and constant connectivity in today's work environment that contribute to stress.
- Combat the fear associated with expressing stress at work, ensuring all team members feel valued and supported.