From demanding clients to difficult coworkers, it’s not hard to get stressed at work.
According to the CDC’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, workplace stress is at an all time high. In fact, the percentage of Americans who claim to typically feel stressed on the job ranges from 30 to 41 percent. Not only does stress take a toll on your health by increasing the risk of chronic headaches, heart attack, strokes, and depression, it also greatly decreases productivity. According to the American Institute of Stress, stress costs the U.S. industry well over $300 billion a year in productivity loss, insurance claims, healthcare, and on the job accidents.
No matter how hard we try, completely eliminating stress is unlikely. However, there are effective strategies to stay positive when overwhelmed with stress in order to increase health, morale, and productivity.
Adjust Your Attitude.
How you think can have a great effect on your emotional and physical well-being. Research has shown that simply rethinking or re-conceptualizing stress as a response that prepares you for taxing situations can turn stress into a positive, performance enhancer. In a study conducted by PsyBlog, participants that were shown research on how stress can be enhancing reported increased productivity and fewer psychological problems over the next few weeks at work.
If you can’t change the stressor, change yourself. Reframe problems, look at the bigger picture, adjust your standards, and focus on the positives. Take a moment and reflect on the things you appreciate in your life. Remembering the positives will help you keep things in perspective.
Stop Complaining.
Though venting is often a huge pleasure and a way to get frustrations off your chest, science shows that loudly airing your issues is a terrible way to reduce stress. According to PsyBlog, “Venting emotions can actually cause them to become more powerful, rather than allowing them to subside.” In other words, letting out your frustrations in a raw blast of emotion actually causes you to become more passionate about them, thus causing more stress. Instead, express your feelings in a positive way by communicating concerns in an open and respectful way. Opening up isn’t a sign of weakness, when you do so in a positive manner.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle.
Another great way to manage stress in a positive way is by nurturing yourself. By making time for fun, relaxation, and exercise, you put yourself in a better place to handle stress. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life, go for a walk, or watch a comedy. The physical activities you do outside of work play a key role in reducing the negative effects of stress. Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise, three times a week is perfect for releasing stress. It’s also important to make sure you’re getting adequate sleep.
If you’ve tried making the above adjustments and are still suffering from severe stress, it may be time to consider another job opportunity in the healthcare industry. Team up with BOS Medical to find just the right opportunity, whether you’re looking for long or short-term work, or want to work locally or across the country. We have a variety of nursing jobs and employment opportunities in Athens, GA, Gainesville, GA, and beyond. Contact us today and we’ll work together to find just the right match.
