Dealing With Work Anxiety: How to handle it?

Posted on June 15, 2021 by t m, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

Whether you are starting your first job, going back to work after COVID-19, or dreading the deadlines and hassles of the work environment, work anxiety is a real experience. Those feelings of wanting to run, hide, take an unusual amount of time off, focus too much on the negative, or struggle to complete tasks by the deadline, are all signs that you may be experiencing work anxiety. What’s important to remember is that you are not alone.

According to Verywellmind.com, as many as 40% of workers experience ongoing stress or anxiety in their daily lives. Work anxiety refers to stress caused by work that leads to anxiety, or the impact of an anxiety disorder at work. Many times, a toxic work culture, excessive demands, unhealthy pressures, or a poorly matched position can all be sources of work-related stress and anxiety. When thinking about other factors that impact anxiety, it is also important to consider the following:

· Working long hours

· Having a demanding boss

· Having a lack of direction on tasks

· Experiencing a very high workload

· Experiencing a lack of fairness in the workplace

· Feeling a lack of control over the work environment

· Having a low reward (not enough pay, benefits, etc.)

If you are living with work anxiety, it can take a toll on you, leaving you to experience the following:

· Having reduced job satisfaction

· Noticing reduced confidence in your skills

· Feeling like what you do does not make a difference

· Experiencing reduced goal setting and achievement

If you are experiencing work anxiety there are some strategies that you can use to help you manage. Some of these strategies include remembering that anxiety at work can be contagious, so try to stay away from people who make you feel worse. Also, taking a break and talking to someone if you are feeling anxious, can help you get control of what you are experiencing. It is important to use a variety of self-help techniques to help you calm down when needed. Also, seeking professional help if work anxiety is interfering with your daily life both at work and at home, is always a valuable resource.

When managing work anxiety, it is also important to avoid unhelpful coping strategies such as binge eating, substance abuse, overuse of caffeine, and abuse of prescription medications. Here are some strategies you can try during and after your workday to help with your anxiety:

· Find things that make you laugh and smile.

· Be sure to take time for yourself away from work.

· Go for walks outdoors on your breaks when possible.

· Change your scenery and take lunch outside of the facility.

If you are struggling with anxiety, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

Thanks for reading.

Like this column? Sign up to subscribe to email alerts at www.iKiola.com and you will never miss a post.