Consequences of Excessive Work-Related Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Concentration and memory problems
- Having trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Headache and migraines
- Digestive issues
- Heart palpitations
The prevention of burnout and work-related stress can begin with identifying the possible sources of stress. This requires some reflection on the situations that would potentially result in feelings of overwhelming stress.
Causes of Work-Related Stress
- Lack of purpose and meaning in one’s career
- Conflict with colleagues/superiors
- Lack of boundaries for roles and responsibilities
- Lack of social support
- Excessive comparison with peers
- Mismatch in organisational culture with individual values
Examples of Ways to Manage Stress
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and practice mindfulness
- Engage in exercises regularly such as going for a stroll in the park
- Engage in hobbies that you enjoy
- Connect with family and friends who are able to provide you support in this period of change
Coping with Work-Related Stress
When the going gets tough, there are some basic strategies you can adopt to manage your stress levels. These include breathing exercises, taking breaks, practising mindfulness, eating well, physical exercises as well as seeking social support.
If it does get too overwhelming for you, there is nothing wrong with reaching out to seek support from professionals. Alternatively, if your workplace allows you to access the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), it might be worth exploring that as well.
