Stress is something that we all experience from time to time, particularly at work where there is often a pressure to perform. Moderate amounts of stress can be a positive thing, as it can motivate you to get the work done or to go above and beyond. However, when stress is at an extremely high level it can often do more harm than good, particularly in relation to work performance.
High levels of stress can be caused by a number of different reasons, including a demanding work load, long working hours, a lack of breaks throughout the day, conflicts within the workplace, or a constant pressure to perform. However, it can also occur when starting out at a new job or when trying to balance work with your other responsibilities.
So how do you know if your stress has passed the point of being ‘healthy’ stress and is starting to affect you in a negative way? Some indicators include:
You may also be experiencing stress that isn’t having any drastic effect on your work performance or ability to function, but it is still something that is constantly at the back of your mind. You may just want to feel relaxed and enjoy your work, or be able to perform even better then you currently are.
If you are wanting to better manage your stress and remain more relaxed in and out of the workplace, it can be a lot easier with the support of a professional. VCPS practitioners can equip you with the strategies to remain stress-free, in a way that is tailored specifically for your own preferences.
Some of the methods that the VCPS practitioners are specialised to help you with include: