we’ll take a look at the what causes stress, both generally, and specific to you in this third post about
work-related stress.
Welcome back to our on-going series about work-related stress. In our last post we dove into the deep end of the stress pool and talked about long-term impacts on not only our productivity but our overall wellness. Today, we're switching gears a bit to focus on stress detection. So you’ll be ready to spot those stressors hidden in the shadows of your work life.
Identifying stressors, or the causes of stress, is the first step towards effectively managing it. Think of it as cleaning your closet. You need to know what's in there to decide what to keep, what to set free.
What causes stress for most people? Work-related stressors can come in various shapes and sizes. They might be as conspicuous as a micro-managing boss or as subtle as poor lighting in your workspace, or perhaps it's a never-ending pile of tasks. For so many, it’s a feeling of being undervalued or unappreciated.
Of course, there's the creeping uncertainty of job security, the frustrations of a stifling work culture, or the struggle of maintaining a work-life balance when your home is also your office.
Honing in on what is igniting your stress is critical to getting a handle on it. “But how do I spot these stressors?" I hear you ask.
Excellent question! Self-reflection is a great starting point. Tune into your emotions during the day. When do you feel most tense or overwhelmed? What tasks or interactions leave you feeling drained? Make note of them.
TIP: My clients often find the root of their stress lies in their work-related values. When you have a values breach increased stress is a natural response.
Keeping a stress journal can be helpful. Jot down stressful events as they occur, how you responded, and what you were feeling. Over time, you'll see patterns emerging. When you couple your patterns with your values a clear picture of your personal stress triggers will likely emerge.
If you prefer a more systematic approach, there are various stress assessment tools available online. These can provide you with a more structured way to identify and measure your stress levels. But remember, these tools should supplement, not replace, self-reflection.
Just how stressed are you? Take the Stress and Anxiety Quiz from the Greater Good Science Center
Identifying your stressors is the first crucial step in stress management. And it's worth celebrating! So give yourself a pat on the back, and do something nice for yourself. Self-reflection is work in and of itself. So enjoy a well-deserved treat (dark chocolate always works for me!)
If you need a hand identifying your stressors, connect with me, via a free, no-obligation consult call.
In our next post, we'll be diving into the meaty stuff - techniques and strategies for managing and reducing these stressors. So, stick around!
Until then, remember, you're not alone in your stress journey. Let's continue to share, learn, and work towards a healthier, less stressful work environment. And if you're ready to thrive,
check out our Thriving@Work program at The Soul Spot.
[To be continued...]
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