MightyRecruiterEvery job is going to get stressful at some point. Some positions within a company are more prone to being placed under stress than others, but no matter where you are in an organization, you need to understand how to handle it well. Some people are more adept at handling stress at work than others, but regardless of how well you handle it now, there are steps you can take to get better. By following a few simple tips and understanding how your brain functions, you will be less likely to crack under the pressure.
Understanding the Brain
The part of your brain responsible for coming up to solutions to problems is known as the cerebral cortex. This is the part that should be used when you are facing challenges, but when you are under heavy pressure, the part of the brain called the limbic system is activated. This portion is responsible for sensing danger and responding appropriately. Being placed under a lot of stress at work can signal a flight or fight response, and you may not think as clearly as you should to overcome this obstacle. One way to surpass pressure is to not perceive stress as a threat. You should instead have a neutral or positive reaction toward it. There are various strategies you can implement to get better at this.
Accept That This Is Normal
Unfortunately, there is never going to be a time in your life when you are not under pressure. As a business owner, entrepreneur, HR professional or anything else, you will have numerous responsibilities to perform every day. You will never escape stress, but you can come to the conclusion that this is a natural part of life that everyone goes through. Do not feel like you are alone because everyone knows what you are going through.
Do Not Go Into Hypotheticals
You can place yourself under more stress at work by asking a bunch of hypothetical questions. When something seems to be going wrong, it is easy to start asking a ton of ïWhat ifï questions that may not even come to fruition. Only focus on what is presented to you at this moment. Focus on the present instead of what may happen in the future.
Sleep
One of the easiest things you can do to manage stress is to get a good night’s rest. Sleep deprivation will only increase the amount of stress you are feeling. It may be tough to go to sleep if there is a lot that needs to get done because you feel like you need to stay up to get it all done. Your work will be waiting for you in the morning, so get seven to eight hours of sleep in order to recharge and reenergize yourself.
Disconnect
You probably own several electronic devices like a smart phone, laptop and maybe even a tablet. Constantly being plugged in can increase the amount of stress at work you feel. While you might need these devices to do your job in the office, it is important to set them down once you are at home and unwind. Take the time to focus on activities you enjoy like reading, watching television or getting exercise. If you have been feeling a lot of pressure lately, then you might be hesitant to go offline for fear someone will try to get in touch with you. There is always the concern that missing a call will lead to greater stress down the line, but your colleagues should be willing to give you some time to focus on yourself. You will get back to them once you have gotten some much needed relaxation.
Reframe How You Think About Stressful Situations
The brain is a powerful organ, and the way you frame a problem in your mind can make all the difference in how you handle it. For instance, if there are a lot of assignments you need to get done in a short amount of time, it would be easy to think, ïI will never get all this done.ï Instead, reframe your thought so that it is more positive like, ïI will get this done tomorrow. I will get that done by Friday.ï As hard as you might try to avoid stress altogether, it is an impossible task. The best way to deal with stress at work is to face it head on. For more tools to run your business efficiently, take a look at everything else Mighty Recruiter has available.