Some days, even a dream job at a great company can stress you out. A little anxiety is normal, but too much can take a toll on your health, your job, and your life.
Men and women who feel stress on the job face a greater risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems than those with low-stress jobs, research shows. Workplace stress can also lead to headaches, stomach problems, and fatigue.
Employers suffer, too. Job-related stress drains productivity and boosts accidents, absenteeism, employee turnover, and health care costs. In fact, job-related stress costs U.S. companies a whopping $300 billion a year.
Don’t let stress on the job affect your well-being or performance. Instead, try some of these stress-busting tips:
- Make time for yourself. Balance your work and family life, develop a network of supportive friends and coworkers, and cultivate a more positive and relaxed outlook.
- Use your breaks at work to recharge. Take a short walk or talk with a coworker about things that have nothing to do with the job.
- Blow off steam. Walk away or count to 10 if you’re angry or upset. You may view the situation differently if you take time to calm down.
- Focus on your physical health. Eat right, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
- Make a list of the tasks you need to do and prioritize them. You won’t have to worry about forgetting anything important, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you cross off each item.
- Relax. Learn meditation, yoga, or other stress-reduction techniques. Practice them at home or during short breaks at work.
Learning to tame stress can help you stay enthusiastic about your job and enhance many areas of your life.