We’ve all experienced the stress associated with going to work and ensuring we do a good job. Further, as the economy fluctuates, that stress can intensify as we realize that we could be laid off at any moment, for any time. These circumstances aren’t something that creates a sense of safety and security. Further, chronic stress can lead to feelings of diminished interest, chronic exhaustion, and reduced personal efficiency, making performing well at our jobs even more stressful. The Family Psychiatry & Therapy team knows how important it is to ensure you can navigate the challenges that come with work-related stress before they impact your mental health.
Symptoms of Work Stress and Recovery Strategies
The first important step to addressing these challenges is recognizing that they exist. To help, we’ve compiled a list of symptoms indicating you’re experiencing burnout or work stress.
Indicators of Work Stress and Burnout:
- Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
- Decreased sense of personal accomplishment or satisfaction
- Reduction in patients of colleagues increased irritability
- Reduced performance or trouble focusing
- Feeling disillusioned about your career
It’s essential that we’re able to identify these signs so we can take steps to address the building work stress and exhaustion. When you feel you’re experiencing the symptoms listed above, try some of the following tips to help counteract them and promote recovery:
- Set Clear Boundaries – Only work within your assigned hours, and don’t take additional hours until you feel better about your work. Ensure you take your assigned breaks and engage in personal activities after work.
- Prioritize Self-Care – It’s essential that you make time for yourself outside of work hours. Spend time doing the things you love, or find new hobbies that are achievable for you. Gardening, reading, or spending time with family are great examples.
- Build a Support Group – Speak with your supervisors about your experience, and find local or online support groups for those struggling with similar feelings.
- Limit Technology – Detoxing from our digital world can help ease feelings of work-related stress. Only check your emails and messages during specific times, and avoid screens for half an hour or so before you go to bed.
- Get Active – If you aren’t already living an active lifestyle, it’s time to start adding exercise to your list of daily habits. Go for a short walk, do some stretches, or start up a gym membership. Even just sitting on the grass outside can help clear your mind and ease stress.
Ensuring you make a commitment to your mental well-being is essential to managing work stress and other sources of anxiety. It starts with recognizing the symptoms of work stress and then taking steps to address them so those feelings can be mitigated.
Reclaim Your Work-Life Balance With Family Psychiatry & Therapy
When you find that the whirlwind of your work life is beginning to overwhelm you and you’ve lost your enthusiasm for your work, it’s time to seek help. You can start by calling us at (201) 977-2889 and arranging your first visit to our offices in Paramus, Upper Saddle River, Paterson, or East Orange, NJ. Together, we’ll help redefine your work-life balance and pave the way for a more fulfilling and stress-free career journey.
