Before you even walk in the door, you can feel your blood-pressure rising. You know that what’s on the other side is going to make you feel like crap, but you have to go in anyway. And you know that at the end of your day, you’ll feel mentally exhausted.
Going to work can be a major source of stress, especially if you don’t have the best relationship with your boss.
Even if you do have a good relationship with your boss, balancing deadlines, managing relationships, and meeting performance expectations can also take a toll on you. It’s crucial to recognize how deeply our jobs are intertwined with our psychological well-being.
It’s not just about whether you’re satisfied with your job, although that is part of it. A lot of it is your environment. High-stress environments can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. On the other hand, a supportive workplace can make a rough day manageable. But every person’s experience is going to be different. Which is why you need to be aware of what causes stress to you and your mental health. You need to recognize the signs of stress in your own body.
Symptoms may include prolonged fatigue, irritability, withdrawal from social interactions, changes in appetite, or even decrease in job performance. These signs often creep up slowly, making them easy to overlook until they become severe. And other people might see them before you do. But acknowledging these symptoms early can lead to quicker interventions and less long-term impact on your mental health.
Two ways you can decrease your stress load and reduce the chance of depression affecting you are physical activity and scheduled downtime.
Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical exercise is a powerful stress reliever. It’s not just about aerobic exercise either; any form of movement can help relieve stress. Activities like walking, yoga, dancing, or even gardening can increase endorphins—your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters—and distract you from daily worries. Exercise also helps normalize sleep patterns, which can be negatively affected by stress, improving overall mood and energy levels.
Scheduled Downtime: In our always-on world, it’s important to schedule time to disconnect from work-related tasks and technology. This could involve setting strict boundaries for work hours, ensuring you have time to relax in the evenings, or planning regular breaks during the workday. Activities during downtime might include reading, pursuing a hobby, or spending time with loved ones. Giving your brain a break from professional responsibilities can refresh your mind and reduce feelings of burnout.
Even with these you might find that you are still maxed out. And that’s a good time to seek help from a professional counselor.
Understanding the impact of work on your mental health and learning to manage work-related stress are critical components of maintaining psychological well-being. If you’ve noticed any of the signs of stress we’ve discussed, practice the tips for de-stressing and be willing to seek help. Remember, mental health is a journey, not just a responsibility. And if any of this has connected with you, you’re more than welcome to come sit by our fireplace and chat. We’d love to listen.
