Did you know that a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that most Americans are stressed out because of the economy and inflation rates?
The economy is indeed something to get worked up over. However, another case of anxiety that’s often misjudged or ignored is the one that arises from one’s work or working conditions.
Work-related anxiety is a common problem that can have a significant impact on your performance and ability to function at work. If you’re feeling anxious about your job, you might be wondering how to deal with it.
The good news is that there are several steps you can take to manage your anxiety and get back on track at work.
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#1 Take an Extended Break from Work
One of the best ways to deal with work-related anxiety is to take an extended break from work. When you’re feeling stressed, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can make it hard to concentrate on anything. Taking a few days off can help you regain focus and recenter yourself so that when you do return to work, you’ll be more productive and less stressed out.
You don’t have to take a full week off, but even just a few days of not thinking about your job can be helpful. If you do take more than a few days, make sure to check in with your boss and let them know what you are doing, how long you plan on being away, and when you expect to return.
#2 Try to Work on Your Time Management Skills
If you’re feeling anxious about your job, one of the best ways to deal with it is to work on your time management skills. If you can’t get organized and keep track of your tasks and responsibilities, you’ll always feel like there’s too much on your plate, which will only make you more stressed out.
A good way to start improving this is by making a list of everything that needs to be done each day, week, or month. This includes not only your work responsibilities but also everything else in your life, from paying bills to spending time with family and friends.
Once you have a complete list, prioritize the items by importance so that you know what tasks are most urgent versus those that can wait for later. Your goal should be to get through as many things as possible without leaving any important tasks undone.
#3 Seek Help from a Therapist
If you’re struggling with anxiety at work, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Work-related anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues, and it can be debilitating for those who suffer from it.
If you feel like your anxiety is interfering with your ability to do your job, consider speaking with a therapist. A licensed therapist can help you sort through the root cause of your anxiety and come up with solutions that will help you manage it in the long term.
Find a therapist who has experience in dealing with work-related anxiety cases. The right therapist can help you realize what you need to do to overcome your anxiety from the very first session. Of course, a single appointment won’t do.
Depending on the type of therapy and the treatment plan your therapist follows, you might need to attend several sessions before you can notice an improvement in your mental health condition.
Don’t worry, though, because all of it will be worth it as you will surely find a way to better handle your work-related anxiety.
#4 Switch Jobs If the Work Itself Is Stressing You Out
There are a lot of reasons why work can be stressful. You might be overworked, underpaid, or frustrated with your boss or coworkers. If you feel like you can’t get a handle on it, or if you’re feeling particularly anxious about something specific in your workplace, it might be time for a change.
Switching jobs can feel like a huge step, but it may also be exactly what you need. If the work itself is stressing you out or if you’re too busy or under-appreciated, switching jobs could help alleviate that anxiety by giving you more control over the conditions of your work day and the people around you.
As per a CNBC report, half of all American job holders opted for a career change last year by quitting their existing jobs. These people took their time to rethink their career choices and go for a job that would suit them best. If your current job is stressing you out, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider doing the same.
#5 Avoid Taking on Too Many Responsibilities
Work-related anxiety is a common problem for many people. It can be difficult to manage, but there are some things you can do to help.
One of the best ways to deal with your work-related anxiety is to avoid taking on too many responsibilities. If you find that you’re feeling stressed out by your workload, try delegating some tasks to other employees or outsourcing them completely. You may also want to consider hiring more staff if possible.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 25 percent increase in global anxiety and depression rates. People who were already struggling with these issues are having to deal with a double blow here. Getting anxious about work is the last thing you’d want if you’re one of them.
By following these tips, dealing with your work-related anxiety will become a lot easier, and you can once again focus on your work without the anxiety bothering you.