It is virtually impossible to eradicate all stress from our work lives. We can however, learn how to cope and manage it better. The most important factor to consider is to remind yourself that you do have choices and there are aspects that you can indeed control.

How to handle pressure and stress in the workplace

6 P's to Coping with Stress at Work

1. Plan

Start each day and week with a list of things you want to complete and achieve. This allows you not to have to worry about whether you are forgetting something or not. It is also a clear indicator of what you have achieved. Sticking to a schedule will mean you feel less overwhelmed. Last but not least, crossing something off a list once it is complete is immensely rewarding.

2. Prioritise

Have a clear understanding of your workload and concentrate on the tasks that are most urgent and linked to your most immediate targets and objectives. Make sure you do not procrastinate by tackling the most difficult and least enjoyable tasks first. If you leave these until the end it will zap your energy as you will be constantly thinking that you still need to do them.

3. Present

It is important to have goals and a bigger picture focus but do not allow this to detract you from the task at hand. Focus on the present and on completing the task rather than worrying about the outcome which you may not be able to control.

4. Pause

Stress can make you respond to certain situations in a less than appropriate and desirable manner. Try to study and analyse specific circumstances before you act and if necessary come up with a plan to keep you on track.

5. Pass on

Accept that you cannot do everything. You cannot be everywhere. You are only human and not omnipresent. This will not only release you of some of your workload it will also be an opportunity for someone to get involved in something different which is motivating for them. Two birds with one stone.

6. People

There are all sorts of personalities in the office and some will have the natural gift of rubbing you the wrong way. Learn how to exercise your listening skills by not reacting to provocations. When people around you seem to be going into panic mode, remind yourself not to take things too seriously. Use humour to diffuse a situation by sharing a joke or a funny story (either out loud or just in your head).
Remember that we live in a fast paced society where stress is almost an unavoidable part of everyday life. The key is not to allow excessive demands to overload you and leave you to feel a lack of control. By becoming aware and dealing with stress in the workplace, you are in effect also affecting your personal self who will be more relaxed and positive. If you are less tense you will not allow yourself to get aggravated by every little incident, so you will notice a decrease in the number of potentially stressful situations that present themselves at you. A delightful vicious circle!
How do you keep your cool and stay calm under pressure?

1. Acknowledge that being stressed at work does not equal doing a good job

 You may think your boss has to see you stressed to understand how hard you work. But letting the job stress get to you actually keeps you from doing your best. Your mind will be sharper, and you'll get more done, with a good night's sleep.
Organize the end of each work day to be ready for the next one, and you'll feel more confident going home. Get some exercise to work off tension, or do some enjoyable activity to refresh your mind. Turn off your phone, don't check your work email, and reclaim your evenings. Clear your mind before bed, and start fresh tomorrow.

2. Evaluate where your stress is coming from

 Is it the work itself? Are you confused or feeling in over your head? If so, a good boss would rather you ask for clarification than do things wrong. Ask if extra training is available, or take classes to further your understanding. The more you know, the less apt you are to feel overwhelmed.
Look at all the other sources of job stress the same way. It could be your co-workers, your work schedule, or a non-stop pace. Dealing with each stressor individually is far more effective than trying to tackle them together.

3. Drop the gossip

 Gossip in the workplace is a parasite. It constantly needs feeding, and only leaves bad feelings wherever it goes. At first, you may have just wanted to belong. But if the gossipers talk about everyone else, before long you'll begin to worry what they say about you. You'll stress about who might want your job, or whatever else someone might do to sabotage your career.
When you pull yourself away from workplace gossip, a lot of stress at work will magically disappear.

4. You are not responsible for other people's problems

 Are you the person co-workers and subordinates turn to for support? It's nice to feel needed, until you are weighed down with their personal problems. A great boss reminded me once that camp counselor was not in my job description. It was a valuable lesson that helped me lose a lot of stress at work, and probably helped the other people learn to cope on their own.

5. If the job is wrong for you admit it and consider a change

 Sometimes what was a great job once becomes not so great any more. Maybe the work itself changed, or the people you valued are gone. Or maybe you knew from day one.
Continue to do the best work you can, because you owe it to them and yourself to do so. But begin to plan an exit strategy from a position of strength. Studies have shown that a lot of job stress occurs when we have little control. Taking control of your future, and moving to a job that is a better fit, can make a significant change in how you feel, so you'll have far less stress at work to deal with.

What's your biggest stress at work? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to share us on social media. We love hearing from you.