How can we prevent stress at work?
- Feb 10, 2024
- 2 min read
Published 10.2.24
Stress and the physical illnesses stress manifests into, are major causes for time lost from work with illness. One person off sick with stress puts greater pressure on the team, it kills productivity, communication, and general company awesomeness - if we allow it. Is it possible to prevent stress and guard ourselves against its debilitating effects?
Doreen Beresford, Stress Management consultant believes we can, but first, we must learn to care for ourselves. Doreen has very kindly agreed to share her stress management program here with Find Bliss.
We recommend finding a quiet time and space to examine Doreen's wisdom. Doing so independently will help you build personal resilience. Coming together as a team to discuss your discoveries, will enable you to put things that resonate with the group into practice in your workplace.
Be gentle with yourself
Find a quiet place - use it daily - give yourself SPACE.
Try to keep a balance in the work you are doing by changing your routine and your tasks when you can.
Say I choose rather than I should, I ought rather than I have to.
If you never say no - what is your yes worth?
Remind yourself that you are an enabler, not a magician. We cannot change anyone else - we can only change how we relate to them.
Give support, encouragement, and praise to colleagues and management too. Learn to accept it in return. In the Japanese practice Genba Kanri, they all air grievances together.
Avoid 'shop-talk' during breaks and when socialising with colleagues.
Use supervision or peer group consultations as a source of support assurance and redirection.
Remember that the ability to share your difficulties and admit your shortcomings is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Learn to recognise the difference between complaining that receives and complaining that re-enforces negative stress.
On the way home focus on a good thing that occurred during the day.
Remember you are not indispensable - you are part of a team.
Laugh and play - enjoy yourself.
"La vie s'arrange - mais autrement..." Life works out, but not as you expect it... Unknown French Philosopher
