DON’T TAKE STRESS LIGHTLY: THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING AND MANAGING STRESS EFFECTIVELY

The recent news has been heart-breaking, to say the least. Work pressure and family responsibilities along with the financial concerns of living in a struggling economy is a challenging feat. According to a recent report by the digital healthcare platform MediBuddy and the CII, approximately 62 % of Indian workers face burnout due to job-related stress and inadequate work-life balance, which is three times the global average of 20 %.

While work stress has become common, it doesn't mean it should just be accepted as a fact of life. Brushing aside or downplaying your stress can be dangerous. Stress is worn as a badge of honour, an indication of a successful career. In a culture that puts status and success on a pedestal, admitting that you are stressed can feel like admitting a weakness. Stress is harmful to both mental and physical health. No amount of wealth or success will compensate for the toll that prolonged stress can take on your health and well-being.

So, in this article, we are going to explore the different tools and ways in which we can handle or navigate workplace stress. 

1. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Take time to look after yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally to keep stress in check. Whether it’s going for a walk, engaging in a hobby, practising mindfulness, or simply taking time to rest, small acts of self-care can make a big difference in how you handle stress. If your current schedule doesn't have any time for activities like these, then it's not an excuse for you to not do them. Rather it's a clear indication that it's time to make some changes in the schedule. 

2. Establish Boundaries

In a world that increasingly blurs the lines between personal and professional life, setting boundaries is essential. Ignore the advice and motivational speeches that encourage you to work for 14 hours in your 20s without expecting any returns as a path to success. Remember that balance is crucial in all phases of your life. 

This is particularly important if you're working remotely or dealing with caregiving responsibilities at home. Learn to say no when your plate is full, and create clear divisions between work and leisure time to prevent burnout.

3. Separate Work from Self-Worth

Many tie their value and identity to their job performance. This puts a lot of pressure on the job and one's ability to establish boundaries in their jobs. Every one of us has inherent self-worth that is not contingent on our employment status and achievements in our careers. Understanding this helps you overcome setbacks in work and build a much more balanced and enjoyable life for yourself. It will also allow you to have a healthier relationship with work. 

4. Build a Life Outside of Job

While it is easier said than done with demanding jobs, it is essential to have a life outside of a job that you can look forward to. Binge-watching movies and doom-scrolling don't count. Neither does the idea of partying away the stress. These activities don't relieve stress or give you any sense of meaning or fulfilment. 

Instead, focus on hobbies and interests that genuinely enrich your life or contribute to your sense of purpose. Take rest in a way that actually energises your mind or body instead of exhausting whatever is left after work. A fulfilling life outside of a job builds your resilience, allows you to gain perspective, and equips you to handle work-related stress. 

5. Seek Support

You do not have to handle the stress alone. Talk about your stress with someone you trust—whether a friend, family member, or professional. It can provide relief and perspective. Sometimes, just expressing how you feel can lighten the emotional load. 

If stress feels unmanageable, please don't hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor. See if your office has any Employee Assistance Programs that you can benefit from. Taking help is not a weakness but a show of strength from your side. It shows your willingness to acknowledge struggles and readiness to work through them. 

Conclusion

While stress is a reality of modern life, it's not okay for it to be a destructive force. Like physical and financial health, it is important to also manage mental health proactively. So, start addressing stress before it takes a toll on your health, relationships and overall wellbeing. 

Remember, stress is not a badge of honour, nor is it a sign of weakness. It’s a signal that something in your life needs attention. Taking stress lightly only increases its potential to wreak havoc. Address it early, manage it effectively, and give yourself the care and compassion you deserve.

Author: Nivetha Kannan

Nivetha writes blogs on mental health and wellbeing topics for Silver Oak Health. She is a professional content writer and is passionate about the field of psychology & personal development. She writes impactful content that brings positive changes in people. Her mantra for life is to ‘be curious, and not judgemental.