It's no surprise that our jobs can be stressful, but ignoring that stress and what it does to you is a one-way ticket to both physical and mental health problems. Thankfully, not all is lost, and there are plenty of ways to handle workplace stress that can take the edge off. Here's what we mean.
This infographic from the folks at The Salary Reporter doesn't contain any surprises, but it does a great job of outlining some of the common causes of office stress and what our physiological response to those acute and chronic stressors really are. Everyone knows stress when they feel it, but what that stress response is doing to you physically is worth remembering, and dismissing it by saying "well, at least I have a job to be stressed out by" is dangerous. In fact, even paying attention to your body when you feel yourself getting stressed out can at times be enough mental breathing room to stop, take a few deep breaths, and try to calm down.
Beyond recognizing the stress when you see it and trying to remove yourself from its effects at the time, there are plenty of other options to help minimize daily stress or decrease your overall stress level. The infographic suggests making sure you take your vacation when you've accrued it, instead of sitting on it for years at a time—something we've told you to do as well. The graphic also suggests getting professional help managing your stress if you're having trouble coping, which is a great idea.
If you're looking for more suggestions, here are some great ways to handle stress, and even more ways to combat burnout at the office, like making sure to get a good night's sleep, exercising regularly, and leaving work every day at a decent time.
What Causes Workplace Stress and What You Can Do About It | The Salary Reporter
Photo by stuartpilbrow.