Simple tips to coping with work-related stress

What is stress?

Stress is part of everyday life. In small amounts, it can motivate someone to work hard and strive for excellence. In fact, the hormones released in times of stress can be performance-boosting tools and craved by ‘adrenaline junkies’. However, excessive amounts of stress have been linked to impaired functioning across a range of areas including home, work, and relationships and can impact on physical and psychological health.

Work-related stress:

• Is a growing problem around the world that affects not only the health and well-being of employees but also the productivity of organisations.
• Arises where work demands of various types and combinations exceed the person’s capacity and capability to cope.
• Is caused by situations such as feeling under pressure from job demands – hours or responsibilities – conflict with co-workers or bosses, constant change and threats to job security.
• Is not the same for everyone – what one person may view as stressful, another may view as challenging.

Helping yourself – a person suffering from work-related stress can help themselves by:

• Thinking about the changes they need to make at work in order to reduce stress levels and take action. Some changes can be self-managed while others will need co-operation of others.
• Discussing concerns with their supervisor where possible.
• Making sure they are well organised. List tasks in order of priority and schedule the most difficult tasks of each day for times when they are fresh, such as first thing in the morning
• Taking care of themselves – eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly
• Considering the benefits of regular relaxation such as meditation or yoga
• Not taking stress out on loved ones, instead, tell them about work problems and ask for their support and suggestions
• Avoiding excessive drinking and smoking
• Seeking professional counselling from a psychologist

Where to go for more help

• See your doctor or health professional
• Call Lifeline who are available 24/7 on 13 11 14 or
• Visit www.lifeline.org.au where you can find helpful resources and information about mental health and stress