We all face different challenges and obstacles at work, and sometimes the pressure is hard to handle. When we feel overwhelmed or unsure how to meet the demands placed on us, we experience stress.

In small doses, stress can be a good thing. It gives us the push we need to stay focused and do our best.

But when the going gets too tough and work’s demands exceed your ability to cope, stress becomes a threat to both your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Here’s the good news: if you can spot the cause of your stress, you can manage or eliminate it.

1: Excessive Workload, nearly everyone is struggling to do more with less. You may feel burned out from working long hours or handling workplace challenges that never seem to go away.

Stress occurs when we have excessive workloads and unrealistic deadlines making people feel rushed and overwhelmed.

While they may be no easy solution, make sure you manage your time effectively by creating a “to do” list and prioritizing your projects. Following this strategy will make sure you’re working on what’s truly important instead of getting caught up in minor things. 

2: Constant Interruptions, an onslaught of cell phone calls and e-mail and instant messages breaks your attention span and hurts your productivity.

Try to limit or prevent these interruptions by setting aside a several hours of each day when you are off limits. Turn off your cell phone and don’t check your email during that time. If your boss is willing to work with you on this, you can set aside times when you are always available, and other times when you are never available. Just be sure to make yourself available when your boss needs you most.

3: Dealing With Difficult People, dealing with difficult people on a daily basis can turn a dream job into a nightmare! As pressures in the workplace increase, many people are finding there are more difficult people to deal with on the job. 

Whether you have to handle a customer who shouts at you for doing your job or a team member who takes credit for your ideas, you want to learn how to deal with conflict, problems and manipulation rather then spend your life feeling like a victim.

Learn how to say “No” in a positive, supportive way to create what you want and protect what you value.

4: Tense Workplace Environment, we’ve all noticed busy execs going to the gym at lunch. Well, there’s a good reason… and it’s most likely stress. Getting some exercise is one of the best stress-reduction strategies.

Maybe you can’t suit up with the CEO, but you might be able to join the local health club or yoga center and get some exercise during the workday.

If you can’t get out of your office, learn a few stretching techniques or relaxation breathing exercises you can do at your desk to release tension.

5: Downsizing and Rightsizing, if the rumors are flying that your organization is thinking about layoffs…

Or your company is showing some signs of trouble, like mandating hiring freezes and expense reductions….

It might be time for you to prepare to get another job.

Use this opportunity to reassess your career and life goals. Get in touch with your dreams. Prepare a strong resume. Brush up on your interviewing skills. And build a supportive professional network. Do it now! You might be able to turn a layoff into the new career path you’ve always wanted.

By: Jeff Aulenbach