On the other hand, if you have some way to control the events around you, or even if you just perceive that you do, then your stress levels will almost certainly decline. One approach is establishing procedures about how you will handle different categories of demands. This provides a set method for reacting to events without even having to think about them. For example, you might receive a lot of urgent requests from the field for new features on a deployed product. Rather than feeling the weight of each request as it arrives, establish a process whereby these requests are first routed through others in the position to evaluate and prioritize them.
Long-term stress also could stem from your inability to perform a job at a satisfactory level. Engineers often hesitate to admit this, even to themselves, because of their inherent belief that every problem has a solution. But some work roles are simply out of our reach, yet we occasionally find ourselves in them. This may happen when you're first promoted to a management position, or if you're given a tough assignment using technologies for which you have no background.
A typical reaction to performance stress is a listlessness at work and home, and a lack of desire to go to work in the morning. You may retreat into your office and reduce contact with your colleagues. If you find yourself in this position, seek assistance from your colleagues, managers, or human resources department for training to better perform your job, or for off-loading some activities so that you can focus on what you do best.
Regular exercise is another excellent way to combat stress. Exercise improves your general health over time by strengthening many parts of the body that might be susceptible to failure under stress. In addition, it provides a safe and healthy outlet for stress buildup. In psychology, the term "transference" describes the tendency of individuals suffering from stress in one aspect of their lives to take it out on an innocent party in an unrelated part of their lives. Exercise provides a good way to release stress outside of work, without harming an innocent party.
Take A Hike...Or Go Jogging
Jogging is a common approach to relieving work stress. (I've used this one myself.) Weights, team sports , aerobics, and tai chi are frequently practiced, often through company-sponsored venues. Your company might have athletic facilities on site, or offer a discount at a local gym. Take advantage of these benefits and join your colleagues who already engage in a workout strategy before work, during lunch, or after work.
Some people turn to alcohol or drugs as an avenue to relieve stress. While these solutions sometimes seem to provide immediate relief from the short-term symptoms of stress, they simply substitute one problem for another, more serious one. The root causes of your stress won't go away, while you will do greater mental and physical harm to yourself and possibly hurt those around you.
If these possible solutions are unrealistic or haven't worked for you, seek assistance from your managers or your health-care professionals. Although the causes of workplace stress may be beyond your ability to fix, others might be able to address these issues or provide methods that allow you handle the underlying stress.
Long-term, work-related stress makes life difficult for you and those around you. Living under the umbrella of tension and frayed nerves is mentally and physically difficult. Fortunately, there usually are things you can do to alleviate that stress. Recognizing your reactions to stress permits you to change these reactions and your method of dealing with them. In this way, your work life becomes more manageable.