Stress is a physical and mental response to situations that require a reaction on our part to ensure our survival. It is a healthy and useful reaction to defend ourselves in a dangerous situation and also to motivate us to perform tasks that interest us. We should not think that a life without stress would be happier, but we have to differentiate between stress at certain times and chronic stress.
In our days, this natural reaction of our organism is more frequent and tends to appear as something chronic. Chronic stress is related to anxiety disorders and can alter physiological reactions in our body and also produce severe emotional disturbances.
The degree of stress can vary greatly from one person to another: what generates stress to one person, to another does not even bother him. Stress can appear at any age, as both adults and children can present it, and even elderly people with apparently calm lives can also suffer.
A certain level of stress at work is not only inevitable, but it can also be stimulating if we can keep it at an adequate level. To cope with stress at work and maintain it at an appropriate level there are two types of circumstances that must be considered: those that depend on the company and the work environment that is generated there, and those that depend on the person working at the company .
If employees from the company receive clear and honest information about what their responsibilities are and what the future of their careers is, the level of employee motivation is higher and their level of anxiety is lower, thus generating less stress.
Tricks to control stress
From the employee's point of view, it is possible to control the level of stress:
• If we have an adequate level of preparation for the work we are going to develop. If that were not the case, it would be important to improve our preparation in the way that we consider most appropriate, either through courses or lectures or by advising other colleagues from the company who are more experienced.
• Try to understand what is the dynamics of the company. Knowledge and information reassure because they help to understand. It is useful to listen to colleagues who have been with the company for many years.
• Try to understand and overcome our own negative reactions. It would be good to analyze if our levels of suspicion and mistrust are justified or can be reviewed.
• When the boss criticizes us unfairly, talk to him about our concerns without facing us.
• Try to see if the criticism of the boss gives us valuable information to be able to better perform our work.
• Adopt a collaborative attitude with the boss instead of seeing himself as the victim of a power struggle.
To cope with stress it is essential to know the specific stresses of the work environment to which we are especially sensitive and the warning signs of our body and mind that indicate an overload of stress. In addition, communicating with classmates and sharing with them moments of rest in the work helps the level of stress is adequate.
Outside of the work environment, we must take care of ourselves physically practicing some kind of sport, which helps to maintain a good mood. It is also advisable to learn some relaxation technique and learn to breathe properly, as it helps relieve stress situations. Finally, if we feel that the level of stress exceeds us and we do not feel strong enough to face the situation, it may be useful to consult a professional who has objectivity.
