Work Place Stress: Avoid Burnout While Building Resilience

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Identifying Work Related Stress
Our body and mind lets us know when we are stressed. Feeling angry and overwhelmed is a sign that the daily stress of work is becoming distress. Having frequent colds, headaches and muscle pains are signals that you may be moving toward worksite burnout. Another symptom of burnout is negative thoughts about co-workers, customers and the job in general. General feelings of resentment and resistance are additional signs of burnout. Fortunately, there some not so difficult steps you can take to move from burnout to effective coping. Please read on and choose the steps you can take to increase your resilience job related challenges. 

Making Changes to Become Resilient
Reducing stress is more related to personal decisions than to changing the world around you. You have more ability to change how you respond to work place difficulties than changing the conditions related to causes of distress. Here are ten steps you can take to become hardy and feel more comfortable at work:

1.  Early in the work day tell yourself you can and will accept what comes your way. By having these thoughts you are developing a belief system that will allow you go  with the flow. When difficult situations arise they will not be a surprise, but just  part and parcel of fabric of your work day. 

 2. Monitor your thoughts. When someone treats you poorly, emote coping thoughts; “he must be having a bad day”, rather than thinking “why is he such a jerk”. Coping thoughts improve your ability to deal with work related adversity..

3.  Enhance your communication by listening more than talking. Extend understanding and empathy to others. Avoid negative and/or sarcastic words. What you say should demonstrate you support and appreciate your co-workers. 

4. Manage time effectively by prioritizing tasks and not multitasking. To do lists with  time lines can be an effective gateway to controlling work and time. Be realistic and not a hero. 

5.  When you take a break. Relax and don't try to compete with relaxation by doing other things such as checking e-mails. Focus and appreciate the sensations realized while you relax. Being mindful of calming down will restore energy for the next challenge. 

6. Formulate realistic plans and clearly explain your expectations to others. When a change is needed or a deadline cannot be met, communicate this information  openly and as soon as possible. 

7 .Allow flexibility to guide both your relationships and work style. Small changes sometimes make a big difference. It is much better to bend than break! 

8.  Optimism is contagious. When faced with adversity do your best to think and say things which look at the any positive side of the situation. This is the glass half full or half empty concept. Positive ideas may lead to a solution! 

9.  Build effective relationships across the board. The most difficult people  
are the most important ones to develop a positive working relationship. These relationships    can be a game changer. Teamwork trumps being “right”.. 

10. End the day by celebrating even small victories. Make plans for tomorrow.
The feeling of accomplishment is a constructive and pleasant way to exit  the work p[ace. Go home and do your best to leave work at work. 

Your Choice:
You can be resilient or be burned out. You will make the decision. Just keep in mind that it is in your power to respond to work site stress effectively or moving toward burnout. If you want to be resilient you can decide to cope and function effectively. Make your decision today!