How can I deal with stress at the workplace?
December 27, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Ludwig Born
Dear Occupational Health Physician,
My name is Paula Walter and I have been working as a project manager in a large company for several years. Lately, I have been struggling more and more with stress in the workplace. The high workload, constant deadlines, and the pressure to always be successful are taking a toll on me. I notice that I often feel stressed, can't seem to relax properly anymore, and even experience physical symptoms such as headaches and sleep problems.
I am concerned about my health and wonder how I can best deal with this stress to avoid long-term consequences. What are the options for reducing stress in the workplace and handling it better? Are there effective stress management strategies that I can integrate into my work routine? How can I improve my work-life balance and protect myself better from overload?
I would be very grateful for your professional assessment and advice on how I can improve my situation. Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Paula Walter
Dear Paula Walter,
I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing stress in the workplace. As an occupational physician, it is important for me to help you cope with this burden. Workplace stress is unfortunately a common problem that can have serious effects on health if not properly addressed.
Firstly, it is important to understand that stress is a normal reaction of the body to pressures. A certain level of stress can even be beneficial as it motivates us and drives us to perform at our best. However, when stress becomes overwhelming and chronic, it can have negative effects on our health.
To reduce and better manage stress in the workplace, there are various strategies that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
1. Self-care: Take regular time for yourself to relax and unwind. This can be done through meditation, yoga, or exercise. Sufficient sleep and a healthy diet are also important factors for coping with stress.
2. Time management: Try to organize your tasks and set priorities. Set realistic goals and plan breaks to rest and recover.
3. Communication: Openly discuss your situation with your supervisor. There may be options for workload reduction or task redistribution.
4. Work-life balance: Ensure that you have enough time for leisure, family, and hobbies. Clearly separate work and personal life.
5. Relaxation techniques: Try different relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, or autogenic training to reduce stress.
It is important not to overwhelm yourself and to seek professional help if necessary. A conversation with a psychologist or coach can provide you with additional support.
I hope that these suggestions help you better manage your workplace stress and protect your health. Do not hesitate to contact me anytime if you have further questions or need assistance.
Best regards,
Ludwig Born
