In the first part of this series, we learned that true anxiety is something that affects our thoughts and behavior in such a way that we are debilitated in our daily functioning. Normal job stress—meeting deadlines, talking with clients, being prepared, balancing your workload—is considered typical workplace unease.
But, if anxiety-related concerns impede your ability to make rational decisions, you’ll need to take some personal action toward moving beyond your deep-seated apprehensions.
Keep in mind that although your job may carry a great amount of stress, you can trust God to take this emotional load from your shoulders and handle it in a far better way! The apostle Paul faced many demands in his work—even beaten and in-prisoned for doing his job! But even with harsh ridicule and physical suffering, he put his hope and abilities in the Lord. We see this in Philippians 4:13 where Paul said, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” What a great model of reliance on God for us to follow in areas of life that make us overly anxious!
Tips to Manage Stress and Anxiety at Work
Along with our dependency on God, we can do some other practical things to help put anxiety to rest. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America gives several tips on coping with anxiety, such as:
- Tell a trusted coworker. Knowing that someone accepts your condition can be comforting and it may reduce any anticipatory anxiety about having a panic attack at work.
- Educate yourself. Learn to recognize the symptoms of anxiety and how to handle it if flares up while you’re at work.
- Practice time management. Make to-do lists and prioritize your work. Schedule enough time to complete each task or project.
- Plan and prepare. Get started on major projects as early as possible. Set mini-deadlines for yourself. Anticipate problems and work to prevent them.
- Be realistic. Don’t overcommit or offer to take on projects if you don’t really have enough time.
- Ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask a coworker for help. Later, you can return the favor.
- Stay organized. Filing papers and clearing your desk and computer desktop may rank low on your priority list, but doing this can save you time in the long run and may prevent a crisis later.
- Avoid toxic coworkers. Try to ignore negativity and gossip in your workplace.
- Exercise. A walk around the block or a few minutes of deep breathing can help clear your head.
- Set boundaries. Try not to bring work home with you. Don’t check your work e-mail or voice mail after hours.
- Savor success. Take a moment to celebrate your good work before moving on to the next project. Thank everyone who helped you.
- Plan a vacation. You’ll be rejuvenated and ready to work when you come back.
- Take advantage of employer resources and benefits. Your workplace may offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounts to gyms, or skill-building courses. Learn what’s available to you.
- Be healthy. Eat healthfully, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and limit caffeine and alcohol. Try to keep your body and mind in shape to handle challenging situations.
In our next segment in this series, we’ll see how anxiety can affect close relationships. Stay tuned!