Psychiatrist Dr. Janet Smith Taylor says workplace anxiety is not unusual, but how we handle it can make all the difference in how we perform on the job.
What are some of the causes of workplace anxiety?
In this environment where people are worried about losing their jobs, how one is performing at work can cause anxiety. If you are unhappy at work, that can do it too. There are some work places where you have to be aware and on guard all the time, which can be stressful. How you get a long with your colleagues as well as issues that are troubling us from home can come to bear on us at work.
How can you maintain your relationship with your coworkers in a work environment where there is a heightened sense of competitiveness because of layoffs?
If you see people at work as
your adversary, that’s not good. It’s not healthy to think like that. You may think that someone is your adversary when they may not see you in that manner. You have to work as a team. When people work in a team atmosphere, you work better.Why do we feel anxiety to begin with?
Anxiety has a negative connotation, but it’s not always negative. It’s the body’s warning signal. Our brains are always taking in our surroundings to keep us safe. The body sends us signals and we interpret them. It’s normal to feel anxious, but it should not be long lasting.
What should you do if you begin to feel anxious at work?
Take ten deep breaths through your nose with your mouth closed. Exhale deeply and focus on exhaling the stress. Also, the more organized you can be helps. A lot of clutter can impair people’s ability to prioritize. To
improve productivity, have an organized desk. Deal with things as they come across your desk right away. When you complete a task, you get that sense of accomplishment. When you have five tasks hanging over your head, you feel overwhelmed, and nothing gets done. The goal is to complete task so that you can move on to the next one without getting stressed.What are some ways anxiety may manifest itself physically?
Before your mind is telling you you’re stressed, your body will tell you. Instead of just labeling a sensation, figure out how you really feel. Some people think that a constant state of stress is normal but it’s really unhealthy. Recognize when you are stressed. When you feel like you have nothing left, that means that your stress has completely burned you out. People don’t listen to their bodies cues.
Everyone has feelings of anxiety. How can you tell if it’s something more serious?
A shortness of breath, trouble focusing, shaking hands. If it last consistently for longer than two weeks, that’s a sign that you need to talk to someone and have that checked out. If you are having panic attacks, that’s really taking it to the next level. You should talk to your primary care provider.
How do you create a better work environment to avoid these feelings of stress?
The first thing is to take the temperature of your work environment. Notice how you feel when you
get to work. Are you happy? Are you anxious? Figure out what it is you like and what you don’t like and what you can control and can’t control. Having positive thoughts and a positive attitude helps. It may mean reaching out to a mentor or finding some humor in your work and laughing about it. If there is someone that you trust, get together and find ways to improve your work environment.What resources are there to properly deal with workplace anxiety?
People in America report being more stressed than ever. It’s important to asses your mental well-being. Your first step should be a visit to your health care provider.
Most companies have employee assistance programs that are vastly under utilized. They are a tremendous resource that you are paying for. There is a lack of trust, though, because employees worry that what is going on with them medically will get back to their supervisor. Go to your company’s human resources department to find out about this service. You can also seek the help of a psychologist, or go to see your minister. Ultimately, if you notice that you are not feeling up to par, it is your responsibility to take care of it. The key is to be in tune with your body.