5+ Ways to Manage Stress in the Workplace

Why do you feel stressed? This is a straightforward question with a surprisingly complicated answer.

I might also add that we are unique human beings in various ways, and stress triggers are unique to each of us. There are several accepted types of stress, and a better understanding of these types will help us understand why we undergo stress in the first place.

Workplace Stress is Universal

I believe stress is more a result of a behavior triggered by another feeling or experience.  By the numbers, 44% of employees say they are stressed!  So, if you are feeling stressed, you are not alone.

But just because it's common, doesn't mean you shouldn't know understand the triggers and how to manage it.  There are significant consequences of stress, being out of control, or rage, and if you add a leadership position to the equation, the results are more magnified.

I don't know about you, but I wish I had a few do-overs in stress management over the years. Our ability to process stress is representative of our Emotional Intelligence (EQ) or lack thereof.

Understanding the Causes of Stress in the Workplace

So why am I stressed out? 

Think of stress as an expression of other feelings. When I think of what triggers my anxiety or those around me, I see sadness, helplessness, being unfairly treated by others, frustration, embarrassment, shame, lack of control, fear, not being heard, or even guilt, as triggers for my stress.

As you review this simple list, identify what you have resonated with. These are relatively generalized feelings or triggers, but these words evoke emotion.

What can I do?

The first thing is understanding how these words and senses drive our responses and behavior.

Stress management, to me, is getting in front of the uncontrolled response to the trigger. For each of us, the motivation is unique. But, I must believe the main categories are similar.

I believe that a reality check is critical for your stress management success. This "In the Moment Reality Check" separates you from the rest.

JRCI Stress Management Questionnaire

Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself these essential questions:

Now you have asked yourself these helpful questions, you must not become paralyzed or ineffective. Instead, you must engage in effective behavior and action. It would be best if you summoned the courage to act through, and out, of the stress created.

Navigating Stress Management at Work

What can I do to find and ground myself for the best-measured response? Again, this next step is different for each of us. What might be the suitable de-escalation method for you? It would be best to take control in order to reduce the stress in your world. Your self-awareness and self-regulation skills are now on display.

As you work to identify this next step, reference the  JRCI Stress Management Top Ten as a resource. This worksheet may be valuable for your subsequent interaction with stress when its ugly presence rears.

I have learned that other negative impacts affect our health when we keep stress inside. We talk a lot about emptying the emotional backpack regularly here at JRCI and doing so daily.

Practicing this simple act of emptying this cluttered pack off your back, full of negative emotions and hanging it on the trouble tree outside your home and then retrieving it on your way out the door... has value! Setting yourself up for a new day with an emotionally empty backpack prevents overload, overwhelm, and stress. The value is for you, those you serve, those you care about, and those who care about you!

"The value is for you, those you serve, those you care about, and those who care about you!"

- Jeff Rogers, CPMBC

There are considerable health consequences associated with stress. Humans can suffer depression, lack of sleep, headaches, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, or even heart attacks. We all agree none of this sounds appealing. Statistics demonstrate much of it can be eliminated with a sound stress-management protocol system.

You have now learned 8 questions to ask yourself to reduce stress at work. Below, we have attached 10 things you can do right now to reduce stress at work or home. Now, it is up to you to do it.

JRCI Methods to Manage Stress In The Workplace

I am not discussing avoiding stress, that's another discussion with completely different challenges, but you now have tools to help you reduce stress. To get stressed is to be human, and to control stress, appropriately, separates you from the rest!