While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress at work can interfere with your ability to carry out your job, affect your productivity, and have adverse impact on your physical and emotional health. The first step to tackle work stress is to not ignore the symptoms and take responsibility to understand what is causing it and what changes need to be made to take control.
 

1. The root cause of stress is when you begin to feel your work slipping out of hand. Prioritise your work going ahead. Begin by creating a simple to-do list or spreadsheet with all outstanding tasks, expectations and deadlines. Regularly review this list to prepare the best trajectory for completing them, and for contingencies.
2. Stress often limits your own potential. Investigate thoughts you frequently have under stress. Look at the standards you have set and ask if you have consistently achieved and surpassed them. If not, see what limits them – time mismanagement, boredom, exhaustion – and introduce measures to solve them.
3. One of the crucial things to do is a reality check. Think about what you like, what makes you happy and what you enjoy doing. Sometimes you may have a good day at work while others maybe unproductive. Invest your energies into remaining consistent with your responsibilities.
4. Don’t ignore things getting out of control. Acceptance is the key first step. Don’t bundle it up and deal with it yourself. Speak to somebody you trust – friend, partner, mentor - to get a perspective on why things are going wrong, and what can get you back on your feet.
5. If you believe you lack control, ask for ownership of a project and concentrate your energies towards it. Keeping a steady finger on your stress going forward while achieving your set targets will positively impact your mood.
6. If you continue to miss deadlines or are underperforming, share with your manager, team lead or HR. Your manager may remain unaware you are stressed at work if you don’t speak up. Prepare realistic suggestions – longer deadlines, additional training, help from team members – so that your manager can make effective interventions.
7. Communication is crucial. Keep your manager updated and discuss if your objectives, standards and timelines need resetting. The discussion will lead to clear solutions and much-need support. It also lets your manager know that you are proactive and focussed towards performing better.
8. Work stress often translates to emotional strain. Your mental health directly affects workplace performance. Don’t tackle your emotional or mood-related concerns all at once. Make step-by-step plans to improve your mental wellbeing at work. It is as much in your own as your employer’s interest that you are satisfied and happy in your job.
9. Don’t compare yourself with others. Focus on what’s in your control: You. Don’t let your colleagues’ work habits influence your evaluation of your productivity. Understand the pace you work at, what drives you, obstacles you are facing – and demarcate areas for improvement.
10. Outside of work, emphasis on a healthy balance of sleep, good eating habits, physical exercise and leisure activities. Sometimes, work can overwhelm important aspects of your life and can be the original cause of your stress. Maintaining a work-life balance is the foundation of coping with stressful situations.