Stress is a common problem seen in people nowadays and especially in last 2 decades it has risen disproportionately due to stiff competition, advent of technology such as mobiles, internet, degradation of environment, nuclear family trend, exponentially rising population and many other factors, Hospitals and clinics are flooded with people to consult with Psychiatrist, Psychologist and counsellors. Mental health of people is a challenge for the nation and no degree of growth in the GDP and other economic parameters can compensate the qualitative loss in the economy caused due to the mental health issues. It is not a failure of individual, its a failure of the entire system. It is a need of hour that some concrete action is taken in this regard by the governments and NGOs.
All of us face work related stress generally during the heavy workload time of the year example: due dates, finalization of accounts submission of statutory returns. Staff work in the office late hours to complete the work and report to office early in the morning. This hampers the work life balance of staff. Occasionally it is okay to work late to meet the deadlines, but if this tendency or practice is continued on daily basis or quite frequently, it becomes problematic situation. This practice, if not curbed, is detrimental to both the staff and the company in the long run.
Stress, to certain degree is beneficial for us, because it keeps us focused and keeps on reminding our goals or targets. However, if this is excessive, it can have dangerous repercussions, such as headache, fatigue, problem in digestion, emotional instability, inability to concentrate on work, nervous system problem, lack of sleep and in extreme cases, it can result into suicidal tendencies. Small problems can be solved by some home remedies or yoga/meditation, however, if the symptoms are worsened, then, without wasting any further time, medical assistance should be provided which can be Psychiatrist or Psychologist.
Work life balance if not maintained, over a period of time, can result in disaster in an individual’s life such as deterioration of physical and mental health, poor relationship with people, many time it results into divorce. Sitting long hours in the same position and working affects backbone, over exposure to screen time leads to weakness in eyesight and excess and continued work burdens the brain which needs break at proper time intervals. This happens due to unrealistic targets/goals imposed on the employee by the company or sometimes, the employee is ambitious to a larger extent. In any case, this should be avoided for ones betterment.
How to deal stress effectively is mentioned below :
- Prioritizing the work and preplanning is very much required so that proper attention is given to the important tasks and we are mentally prepared well in advance so as to avoid last minute tensions.
- Taking instructions from the management frequently regarding work and if you face any problem, discuss with them the practical problems faced and explain how the given task can’t be completed in such little time due to practical hurdles etc. For example if they say go to 3 clients office and complete the work, explain that it is not possible practically, because of time utilized in travelling, taking data from clients, making report, checking relevant documents etc. requires time. The employer will put undue pressure on the employee, it is up to us how much we are able to complete. Its better to say no if the work cant be accomplished in the given time, so that the employer arranges for extra manpower or gives additional time to complete the given task.
- Maintaining continued feedback and discussion with the employer also relieves some stress, you should say in clear words that because the data has not come, the report could not be prepared etc. so that you don’t take take headache of the work which are beyond your control.
- Apart from the stress arising from the excess work load, there are some employees who are facing the problem of stress due to Office Politics. This is nothing but internal quarrel, groupism within the company, which leads to stress and many times, it reaches dangerously alarming levels. Some employees are teased based on their country, religion, some are teased based on their state, caste or other characteristics. There should be proper HR guidelines framed so that such activities are not tolerated and strict action taken on those who are violating the rules.
- Due to nuclear family trend, people are not sharing their problems, there is nobody to guide and show the right path and this leads to stress. This can be addressed by regularly meeting relatives, close friends and other important people in ones life. Meeting a Psychologist, once in a while for consulting on stress related problem, is also advisable, if the situation demands.
- Stay away from unnecessary use of mobiles, which is one of the factors for increasing stress. If there is some important work, then mobile can be used, otherwise unnecessary scrolling is unproductive, causes strain in eyes and is a big distraction in work and peace of mind.
- Once in a year go to some hill station or other location for change of weather, good climate and rejuvenate. This releases stress and gives you extra energy to start work with positive mindset.
- Take sunlight for 30 minutes daily in the morning, it has a substantial effect on our mental and physical health.
- Do your homework in advance. Be prepared for next day’s work in advance. Before going to bed plan what all activities you will do the next day, what resources you need, whom you will contact and when will you complete the work and submit to the boss. Being well prepared in advance ensures that everything is functioning smoothly without any tension.
- Pray. It has tremendous effect on out mental, physical and emotional health. Take blessings of parents. Never hide anything from parents. They are the ones who will come at rescue when you are in difficult situation. If the situation is out of control take parents/guardians help. Nothing is above ones health and well being. Technology is there for us , we are not there for technology. Clients can wait and for due dates, there is interest, penalty, but for health, sickness and life, it is to be addressed at the first instance.
- Drinking adequate water is beneficial for mental and physical health. It helps digestion, nervous system and mind is active which helps to control stress levels.
- Exercise regularly, even if it is for 15-20 minutes. It keeps you active and is a big stress buster.
- Stay around with the positive people, avoid negative people. Surround yourself with happy, charged and highly motivated people who are your well wishers. You will be in high spirits and happy and come out of the negative zone.
- Read good book on positive thinking, this will provide you with a sense of purpose in life and give a strategic approach to handle life problems.
- Going through stress and depression phase is extremely difficult but one can cope up with it if one has faith in himself and take the help of parents, close relatives and friends. At such point of time you will realize that who are your well wishers and who are merely talking sweet but run away when you really need them. Believing and praying to GOD, the supreme power, with 100% devotion, helps you to overcome the stress problem.
- If you have been prescribed medicines for mental ailment, take them regularly, without skipping, take meals at proper time, exercise and meditation should be followed, unnecessary burden should be avoided as it is rightly said that “Health is Wealth”
- Have a hobby such as gardening, cooking, reading etc. which will prove to be a big stress buster. When you are engrossed in a hobby, you forget the tensions, better hormones are released and the stress goes away.
- We see people who are much more rich, successful and prosperous in life. Everyone has his own talent, destiny and working style. We can’t surpass everyone. We should always remember that we should be contented in life with what we have, however we should keep on trying to achieve new heights. It is rightly said that “Content is more than a Kingdom” If we think in this direction, then there will be no scope for stress.
- Don’t hesitate to take decision and inform your guardian/parents/other authority when you are in trouble of excessive stress or depression or you want help of counsellor because delaying that will only aggravate the problem and you may land up in more trouble as health is of prime importance at such times.
Conclusion: Work related stress can be effectively tackled by giving a systematic approach to your way of working, prioritizing, deciding which work is important and which is not so important, make clear communication with the superiors regarding the quantum work to be done and the time in which it should be done, work profile discussion, providing assistants or manpower for smooth working of the department, timely feedback to the superiors and discussion on the problems faced, not promising to stretch beyond capacity, keeping healthy lifestyle, staying away from negative environment and negative people, socialization with right people, living in proximity with nature, spending time with family and reading good books, watching videos of motivators. Through the stage of stress or depression, one should focus on his health on priority basis, other aspects such as job and other commitments are secondary.
Author Bio
The advisory is commendable but it raises questions, when the suggested remedy includes
Do your homework in advance.
Be prepared for next day’s work in advance. Before going to bed plan what all activities you will do the next day, what resources you need, whom you will contact and when will you complete the work and submit to the boss.
The desirability of the last Minutes before sleep for Doing Home Work, if it could disturb peaceful desired sleep or not, is of prime concern.
Stress in work places arise from the Toxicity created by Human behavior in the hierarchy. That is not in one’s control.
organization need to look in to it.
A Soldier, working in extreme situations and for the long sleepless hours, remains healthy because of the human environment created around him.
Superiors are responsible for subordinates mental and physical health.
Corporate and Civil Organizations need to contemplate on it.
Best Wishes and Warm Regards