Wellbeing

Self help: Dealing with stress at work

Don’t let your work load get on top of you and instead try these simple techniques from top stress management coach Clive Hammond

Don’t let your work load get on top of you and instead try these simple techniques from top stress management coach Clive Hammond
As a nation we are under more stress than ever and a lot of that is because we have to juggle an ever increasing number of work commitments. If you want to drive up your blood pressure type ‘stress in the workplace’ in to Google and you will find more than 35 million people ready to give you different advice, while figures show that one in six workers will experience depression, anxiety or stress in their jobs.

So why are you suffering from stress? You might tell yourself: “I hate my job but need the money”. Or more likely the original love of your job has been lost under an overwhelming workload, a colleague conflict, fear of redundancy or a multitude of other conflicts. But don’t worry, because there is a solution. The starting point is to stop listening to others and start listening to yourself. Your body knows you better than anyone and it is already telling you what is wrong. You may not like the advice, but it is the best available. If your job is damaging your health, you know what to do even if it results in a change in lifestyle.

One of your first steps should be to start making more time in your life, because it is the lack of time that is one of the most likely causes of workplace stress. For example, if your blood pressure is up and your nerves in tatters, your body is telling you to slow down – not speed up.

Here are six questions to ask yourself then actions to follow. They will not only help you to tackle your work-related stress but they will certainly make you feel human again and in control. Achieve these objectives and life will seem a whole lot better.

AM I IN A RUT?

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So if you are stressed there is no point doing everything the same way hoping your situation will improve. It won’t. However small, do something different every day, such as walking a different route into work, getting off the bus a stop early, changing your lunch routine, or simply raise a few eyebrows and buy a different newspaper for a change.

AM I A GIVER?

Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention by wellbeing researchers. People who report more interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing a weekly act of kindness will increase wellbeing.

IS MY BODY IN GOOD NICK?

No need to buy the lycra just yet or stretch your finances further by joining a gym. So yesterday!

Instead, go for a lunchtime walk and get some fresh air, forget the lift and use the stairs or just start a new diet – something exotic this time which will get the gossips gossiping. Also, do not forget that a healthy breakfast has been proved to boost one’s mood.

AM I A GOOD COMMUNICATOR?

Remember the days before email? Try walking round a few desks to speak to a colleague. If there is a personality conflict, bring it into the open and talk about ‘the elephant in the room’. And always remember that your colleagues have feelings as well, so spend time listening.

HAVE I SET MYSELF REALISTIC GOALS?

There is nothing wrong with deadlines within themselves – after all, if it was not for the last minute, nothing would get done! But if your whole life is one long deadline then something is wrong.

Look at your priorities and reward yourself for small achievements; “I will have a coffee break only when I complete the current job”.

But be honest about what you want out of your career. If you want, by working faithfully eight hours a day, you may get to be the boss and work twelve hours a day. On the other hand it might be nicer to get to know your children more, pamper your partner or indeed, invest more time in finding one. So decide what is important to you and stop trying to live the lifestyle others expect.

DO MY COLLEAGUES THINK I’M HUMAN?

There is a difference between reliable and predictable. Why not surprise your colleagues by breaking your routine or doing something they will perceive as being out of character. Wear red high heels or dye your hair a different colour (suggest these two examples restricted to the girls in the first instance), make coffee for the entire office or every Friday buy your colleagues ice creams in the summer and sticky buns in the winter (or better still, what about some home baking?)… Also, buck the macho image. Take time to chat, admit when you need help when deadlines are too tight. Take pride in saying you have to leave early to look after your children as they are the most important thing in your life.

IS MY MIND IN GOOD NICK?

Learn something new that will stretch your mind in different directions. Sign up for a class, read a best seller, do the crossword or Sudoku, or research something which interests you or learn a new word every day.

Article by

Clive Hammond

Hypnotherapist and head of Tonic

Clive Hammond is a hypnotherapist and head of Tonic, which offers a personal therapy service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is delivered...

Discover more

Article by

Clive Hammond

Hypnotherapist and head of Tonic

Clive Hammond is a hypnotherapist and head of Tonic, which offers a personal therapy service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is delivered...

Discover more