Being More Engaged on the Job Can Lower Your Stress Level

Your stress level significantly impacts your performance. In fact, the Limeade Institute reports that there is a direct correlation between job success and your level of engagement. The study revealed that 57 percent of employees who were highly engaged reported lower job stress levels than those who were unengaged. Consider these ways to keep stress at bay so you can put your best foot forward.

Identify the Root of the Problem

Know what is causing you to experience job stress in the first place so you can tackle the problem head-on. Common workplace stressors include a lack of growth opportunity, uninteresting tasks or projects, and excessive workloads. Employees who feel as if they lack control over their careers or do not have support from management also experience higher levels of stress. Brainstorm ideas of how you can make your job more interesting or fulfilling. For example, if a client project appears to be boring or not challenging enough for you, suggest ways to bring innovation, passion and life to the project. When you bring self-fulfillment to everything you do with each project, you can eliminate or greatly reduce job stress.

Give Yourself a Break

Job stress can lead to emotional and physical problems if you don't nip the problem in the bud. Some employees experience sleep disturbances, headaches or difficulty concentrating when the stress is overwhelming. Find ways to boost your motivation and reduce your stress level by making time for yourself throughout the workday. Schedule short breaks to clear your mind and make room for fresh ideas to come in. Take a short walk throughout the office to get your body moving and your creativity flowing. Devote time to bettering your physical and mental state on and off the job. Regular exercise can help boost your mood, and a healthy diet prepares your body for stress. Make time for socializing with co-workers and connecting with mentors to rejuvenate your passion for your job, especially when your tasks seem mundane. Advice from a member of your professional network can help cultivate your creativity and provide you with the motivation you need to succeed.

Employ Smart Strategies

The phrase "work smarter, not harder" is essentially the key to eliminating job stress. Evaluate your procedures and approach when working with new clients or projects, and think of co-workers and colleagues who could assist with overwhelming workloads. Work smart by enlisting the expertise of others and relying on your own areas of expertise to complete projects on the job. The more you socialize with your colleagues, the more you can gain a sense of each person's strengths to work better and smarter as a team. Develop strategies to improve your organization and productivity, too. For example, tally a to-do list for each day or project to keep you on track. Crossing off just one item gives you a sense of progress and helps keep you motivated.

Job stress is inevitable, but finding ways to manage it can make for a much more productive and enjoyable work experience. Use stress to your advantage to boost your motivation, and enlist the help of talented co-workers to improve you overall mental and physical state.

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