Stress on the job

Thesis statement: Stress is part and parcel of our lives but how we choose to deal with it is what makes the difference. The problem is even more elevated in the work place and if not checked can pose quite a big problem as you performing your duties. I seek to guide you through the whole process in order to avoid any substantial repercussions.

Outline

Abstract

Introduction

·         Analysis of theories on stress

·         Cause effect of stress

·         Coping strategies

Conclusion

Abstract

In the past, stress was not at all prominent with it only being associated with high-pressure jobs and low-income jobs. This has however changed over the years with the number of cases being reported increasing rapidly. The statics are mind blowing; it seems like this is a wildfire that cannot be stopped. Currently, over 20 million Americans suffer from at least mild forms of stress with over 66% of stress cases caused by work related factors. Nearly 80% of the working population report having stress in their work place. Hardly anyone ever notices the symptoms of stress until it finally strikes leaving us helpless. Therefore, understanding the causes of stress may aid in determining how best to deal with stress when it actually strikes.

Introduction

In these difficult economic times, we all find ourselves caught in a rock and a hard place while trying to meet our responsibilities, goals and targets. Nothing seems to be going right for you; the bills keep on coming, the rent is due, your kids keep getting sick, the cost of essentials keeps on rising and so on. The situation gets worse when you no longer can derive satisfaction from your job. Statistics reveal that the workplace is the highest-ranking stressor factor. Stress in the working environment can affect your professional and even personal relationships making the situation worse. Carrying these problems home after work can only act to strain your relationship with family and friends. Even the best of jobs can have stressing moments in terms of working hours, deadlines, anxiety over job security and other demands. This is surely a recipe for a break down if not checked.

Analysis of various schools of thought on stress

Initial studies relating to the causes were conducted with little success. The studies involved subjecting animals to various external factors. The studies were inconclusive until Richard Rahe established that stress is basically cased by unique yet measureable stressors in life. In addition, the life stressors can be ranked by the median degree of basic stress that they generate. This can be measured using the Rahe and Holmes stress scale.

The problem with the initial studies is the fact that the studies was restricted or assumed to be as a result of external factors such insults that are beyond the control of the individuals subjected to the stress. However, in recent studies, it has been assumed that these so-called external factors have no capacity whatsoever to produce any recognizable amounts of stress. The effect of external stress factors will instead depend on the individual capacity to perceive and understand the matter at hand.

Cause effect of stress on the job

 In the work place, there are numerous external factors that can be categorized as major contributors of stress. Such factors include deadlines, long work hours, tight schedules, unbearable bosses and colleagues and so on. The difference usually comes in how one handles these factors as they come up. That is why you may see one individual having a nervous breakdown while another may be okay if subjected to the same external factors. The capacity of an individual in handling stress makes a whole lot difference in what makes them strong or even kills them.

In most cases, work related stress is as a result of deadlines and demanding work hours. This could be as a result of poor management techniques. As a consequence, you should learn to manage your time in order to be able to meet all your deadlines without having to wait for last minute rush to complete your assignments. In addition, it can be as a result of the amount of workload that you may be subjected to at work. This calls for drastic measures in order to protect yourself from overworking.

Coping strategies

While stress is a common part of life, it does not mean that one should ignore all the tell tale signs that come with it.  Most people may not see a reason in trying to bother themselves with a condition that will always be there despite what one does. However, this will help in determining the appropriate action. Stress needs to be managed as early as possible because it can stop one from performing at their best. Stress affects both the mental and the physical wellbeing of a person thus can easily render one useless.

Avoiding stress is probably next to impossible thus managing or coping with it becomes the only option. The level to which stress can pull someone down depends on the personality of a person as well the manner in which one opts to deal with the stress. Choosing to ignore the symptoms could spell doom for you. So, how does one go about coping with stress at work?

Prioritize your tasks giving due attention even to the tasks that you may consider boring. You may be tempted to postpone these so-called boring tasks until you are actually out of time. However, if time management is not your problem, then you must be having more than your fair share of work. It is thus important that you delegate some of your assignments. This will allow you time to relax and do other relaxing things, which would only be good to you.

It is essential that you avoid all sorts of conflicts with either your colleagues or even your boss. It is important that you avoid any unnecessary arguments. Every time you are about to start an argument, just ask yourself if it is worth the stress. Arguments with colleagues and bosses can turn ugly beyond the fact that they do create tension in the office. Tension or anxiety is not at all good for you at such a time. Always go for the easy way of resolving your differences with everyone in the office.

Once you have managed to plan your activities, you should now have time to spare. In this time, it is important that you spend it with your family or friends. Friends and family can help one ease their work problems. In sharing with the people around you, you manage to offload some of the baggage that you may be carrying around from work. On top of advising you, your family or friends may give you a different viewpoint. They may help you see things in a different light, which could prove to be very helpful.

In addition, spending time with your close ones is guaranteed to be fun filled time thus taking your mind off your work troubles. This will aid in boosting your system to return to your workstation a better prepared to face your challenges.

Some examples of stress involve the boss being on your case every minute. This usually makes an employee anxious and afraid to make any mistake. Another example of stress involves the worker being in constant fear of their job security. If the worker is in constant fear of losing their jobs, then they likely to grow anxious over time leading to stress.

Conclusion

It is quite evident that our jobs are an essential part of our lives and along with them comes a variety of stress factors. Avoiding stress as whole is a tricky affair for anyone that intends to make a living. This therefore means that we have to be open to suggestions on how to deal the stress as it comes. How you choose to handle the stress is entirely up to you but, I the present, I do advice you to follow some of the suggestions I have made in order to live a fulfilling life.