| Examples that can cause work related stress are trying to get
too much work done in too little time, cutting corners or
otherwise taking chances that may put you, or someone else at
risk, and trying to get along with superiors and co-workers.
Everybody has days when there simply seems there's too much
work to get done. Trying to get everything done by yourself can
bring on stress. Some people try and deal with the pressure by
delegating certain jobs to others. If you can unburden yourself
and not worry about when and how the work gets done, if you can
put full faith and trust in co-workers or subordinates it can be
an effective escape valve. Trouble is, most people can't let go.
If you have the type of personality that demands to know how
things are going, chances are you're only increasing the
pressure and stress on yourself by constantly worrying if the
work is getting done or not.
To lessen stress you must either learn to trust others to get
the job done, or prioritize jobs to get rid of "what must
be done" first. Many people tend to "put off" the
difficult jobs they hate to do until the last possible minute.
Of course, this only makes it all the more difficult and
stressful when you finally get around to doing what you should
have done earlier.
When you feel the "walls closing in on you" if
possible, take a break. Many people in trying to relax actually
kick their bodies into overdrive by using their break time to
either get a nicotine or caffeine fix. Instead of calming you
down, both substances being stimulants speed up your body
processes. You may think you're relaxing, but your blood
pressure and heart are working harder.
Instead of coffee or cigarettes try a brief chat with
friends, a short leisurely walk, even just looking out the
window for a few minutes. Never take breaks, or eat lunch at
your work station. The point of a break is to get away from
whatever work you're doing. You can't get your mind off your
work if you're chained to your work area.
Getting along with your co-workers and the boss can be more
than a sore point. It can be something you learn to put up with,
or it can turn into a festering wound that only gets worse with
time. If you're having problems, get them out in the open. Most
managers today at least have some training in dealing with
personal problems. If you can't clear the air or have tried
using all the company procedures to resolve a grievance, and you
no longer enjoy your job, hate to go to work in the morning, or
feel that the pressure is getting to be too much, it may be time
to seriously consider a change.
A great way to get rid of stress is, every once in a while,
do something totally different and unexpected without any prior
planning. Don't fall into a trap when you must do such and such
thing a certain way, or at specific time or place. If you always
put on a blue suit on Thursday, or go to an Italian restaurant
on Tuesday, break the habit every once in a while. Even doing
things you like can become stressful if you're stuck in the same
old rut week after boring week.
Stress can best be managed by realizing what you can change
about your life and knowing what you can't. Learn how to
recognize the difference and you'll enjoy life more and be
better able to deal the ups and downs that are part of
everyone's life.
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Battling Nursing Burnout
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