Let’s face it: Work has been miserable lately.
You’re waking up early and staying up late trying to get everything done. You’ve woken up during the middle of the night more times than you can count from a dream, nightmare, or thinking about a task that needs to get done.
You’re not getting the necessary amount of sleep, which adds to your feeling that you’re falling behind. You’re exhausted, on edge, and irritable. And to make matters worse, your work life is starting to bleed into your home life. You know that work has its ebbs and flows of busy and non-busy seasons, but it’s starting to feel like more than a typical person can handle.
So, you’re finally admitting to yourself that you have work anxiety. That’s a great place to start. Now, let’s figure out if a change can improve things or if it’s time to move on and find a new job.
Talk to a Coworker
If you feel comfortable, try talking to a coworker about how you’re feeling. Sometimes it can help to have a listening ear. They may even be able to relate and connect with you or feel comfortable enough to express that they’re feeling the same way. Having the support can help you feel supported, which can help to lower some of the stress or anxiety you may be dealing with.
If you’re close to your manager, you can also talk about how you’re feeling with them. Not everyone feels comfortable doing this, but that’s what your manager is there for. Your manager is there to support you and help you grow both internally and within the company. They can’t discriminate against you or retaliate for sharing that you’re feeling anxious and stressed from time to time.
Take Care of Yourself
Anxiety can be hard to ignore when it starts to creep into your life. It may even start to have a negative impact on your daily life and routine. Try not to let this happen, as this can actually lead to worsening signs and symptoms. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself. This means fueling your body properly during the day. Eat at least three healthy and balanced meals throughout your day. Don’t forget about how important sleep is, either. You should be aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night.
Practice Mindfulness
Try to have some quick go-to coping mechanisms and strategies ready at your disposal for the next time you’re feeling anxious. You can put in your headphones and listen to relaxing music. You can also spend a few minutes practicing some deep breathing to help clear your head and calm yourself down. Working doesn’t mean you must spend eight hours daily chained to your desk. Managing your stress may also mean dedicating at least thirty minutes each day to moving your body in whatever way you prefer, whether that means hitting up the gym, going for a walk outside, or practicing yoga.
Knowing When It’s Time To Move On
If you’re still struggling with anxiety even after trying to help improve it, it may mean it’s time to find a new role or company that may be better suited for you. You spend the majority of your time at your job, which means that you should be happy for the most part. Everyone has stressful days from time to time, but if your anxiety is starting to creep into your daily life, it’s a good indicator that there’s a larger issue at hand.
If you need help managing your anxiety, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for anxiety treatment.
