How To Handle Job Stress

Whether it’s short-term or has become a regular part of your workweek, stress has a negative ripple effect. It can decrease your immunity, increase your irritability, and hinder your performance. Here are a few tips on how to handle job stress.

What are the symptoms of job stress?

It’s possible to be stressed without realizing it. We live in a culture where “busy” has become a badge of honor. So, be mindful of the emotional signs that you are stressed.

1. Anxiety—if you can’t unplug when you get home for the day because you’re worried you’ll miss something important. If you continue to replay the day or stress over your growing to-do list.
2. Irritability—if you have less patience with yourself and others. If your fuse is shorter than usual. If you get frustrated or angry over things that typically wouldn’t bother you.
3. Lack of Focus—even though you have a million things to do, you can’t focus on one thing without getting distracted. Or you’re forgetting important details or obligations.
4. Mood Swings—if you go from high to low throughout the day. If you’re becoming short and dismissive when colleagues, friends, and family try to engage with you.
5. Fear—if you feel an overwhelming fear of failure, imposter syndrome, or a fear that your job is at risk. Or you fear that you can’t keep up in a rapidly evolving industry.

Is Work Stress Bad for Your Health?

In addition to the emotional factors described above, you may also be experiencing physical signs of stress. Whether it’s short or long-term, stress can lead to:

• Insomnia or waking up feeling tired
• Physical tension in the body
• Decreased immunity
• Tension headaches
• Increased physical pain

When you’re stressed, your body activates its natural “fight or flight” response. This increases the level of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. This hormone makes it challenging for your body to naturally self-regulate. The longer your cortisol spikes, the more it can negatively impact your physical health.

This is why you must actively identify your stressors and take both a reactive and proactive approach.

How To Handle The Stress Of A New Job

Starting a new job is often a mix of excitement and anxiety. You want to learn your new job duties quickly, are nervous about fitting in with your new team, and eager to learn the company culture. In most cases, this anxiety and stress will gradually fade over the first few weeks and months. In the meantime, these tips will help:

• Prioritize your sleep over the next few weeks to ensure you maintain your energy and focus.
• Kick your nutrition up a notch and keep processed sugars and fast foods to a minimum.
• Exercise at least 4 days a week to release tension and physical stress, as well as boost your serotonin levels.
• Arrive to work at least 15 minutes early so you don’t rush into your day.
• Take advantage of your resources and ask for help when questions arise.
• Be yourself so that you don’t feel the pressure of trying to be someone else.
• Accept invitations to lunch or after-hours drinks to get to know your new colleagues.
• Lay out your clothing the night before and dress in a way that makes you feel confident.
• Consider taking CBD before work or at bedtime to calm and soothe your mind and body.

How To Get Rid Of Job Stress In An Established Career?

If you’re stressed to the max in a position that isn’t new, identify whether your stress is chronic or acute.

Acute causes of job stress are almost impossible to avoid. An upcoming deadline, new client to impress, your busy season, new product launch, and times of transition are examples of what might keep you working longer hours for a few weeks or months. But there’s an end in sight. Work together with your team, improve communication, ask for help, and don’t overcommit. Also, prioritize balance and self-care outside of work.

Chronic job stress is endless unless you make a change. Begin by identifying why you’re stressed. Then you can create a strategy. Asking the questions below may help:

• Is the company culture a good fit for you? Has it always been that way or has something changed?
• Are you overcommitting? If you’re spread too thin, can you delegate some of your tasks or parts of tasks?
• Are you communicating and utilizing your resources well? Does your team or employer know that you feel stressed?
• Do you have autonomy? Do you enjoy your work? Do you feel secure in your position?
• Have you outgrown your position? Or do you love what you do, but not where you work?
• Is your stress self-driven? For example, are you a people-pleaser? Do you always say “yes” when asked to take on more? Do you lack confidence or self-esteem?

Should I Find A Job With Less Stress?

Instead of investing all your energy in learning how to handle job stress, it may be time to move on. As we mentioned above, starting a new job can be stressful. However, this stress will fade as you settle in. If you’ve determined that your company culture, new boss, long hours, or current position is the primary cause of your stress, it’s time to explore your options.

Yes, there is comfort in the known, even with the stress of it all. But if things aren’t going to get better, you have less to lose than you might imagine.

While a pay cut is sometimes worth the improved quality of life, you can find high-paying jobs with less stress. When you begin your job search, prioritize company culture. Read through reviews on sites like Glassdoor to see what past and current employees have to say about the company you’re considering.

If you need to, head back to school or invest in online education to shift into a new position or career. You can even do this while you’re in your current position. Yes, this will add to your stress, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Conclusion

You spend most of your waking hours at work and deserve to enjoy what you do! If you’re looking for something to take the edge off in the meantime, we invite you to consider Holmes Organics CBD. We have a diverse selection of USDA-Certified Organic oral and topical CBD products.