Stress at Work

[siglinde99]

[Poll #1777360]Open to: all, results viewable to: all

How do you manage stress at work?

<input ... >I don't have a job

<input ... >My job is not stressful
<input ... >St John's Wort
<input ... >B vitamins
<input ... >Paxil
<input ... >yoga, meditation and deep breathing
<input ... >somewhat more energetic exercise
<input ... >stress eating
<input ... >alcohol
<input ... >guns

<input ... >

Comments

[gaynip.livejournal.com]

My job was so stressful (due to a lot of contributing factors) that I was throwing up/losing my hair/crying all the time. I ended up on sick leave and from their disability.

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

That's horrible. Hopefully things will pull together for you with time and support.

[vesta-venus.livejournal.com]

How about - I love my love even with the stress because 1) I'm the kind of person who thrives on challenge and 2) I'd rather be stressed from being given too much responsibility than bored because no one believes in me and gives me anything challenging.

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

I like that a lot. It's true about the work itself - it's the people who are making me crazy right now.

[utsi.livejournal.com]

was doing the B vitamins, but they got cut out with the unknown kidney issues... exercise was happening until stress from other areas has created a meltdown of coping systems :P trying to get back in the saddle (so to speak)

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

You sound like you are doing better - good luck with it!

[thirstysmurf.livejournal.com]

One of the first talks I have with any of my field students is about stress, recognition and tools for dealing with it. Our field is considered high stress and though I don't see it that way as much any more that is strictly due to time in and the formation of relief tools.

I have many stress relievers but which one I use depends completely on what/how I am feeling. Recognition is incredibly important. I know my job has stress and I know that I don't often see the day to day stuff but I make sure that I do things to relieve those stresses anyway. For me, that's simple stuff like taking a hot bath (also good for ridding lactic acid after a day's work) while plugged into my iPod or taking a walk (again with iPod), a cup of coffee or tea and a book (even if I only have enough time to read while I drink). I know that days get busy but I make sure to make the time for me. Otherwise, the day to day stressors build up and then when a truly stressful thing comes along I am less able to deal with it. For me, hiking is also a bit of a reliever.

When I know I am stressed I do different things. If I'm angry/frustrated or pissed off and it's work related then the first thing I do is vent/talk with my colleagues. That's one of our biggest tools. I can't talk about the stuff to others for many reasons. After that, I will often times do something physical (hard hike or whatever I need) - usually solitary. I need time with my brain. Followed by a hot bath - serves to get rid of the stink after the physical work but also gives me a chance to see where my brain is at. Sometimes, I just order a pizza, have a pop or a bevvie and watch mindless telly.

When I need to truly decompress from something..ummm...that's harder to explain. Usually involves a CIS issues (critical incident stress). It's easier to say what I don't do - touch a drink for example.

Long-winded response for a very individual thing but it's something very important to my life. Don't know if it helps any.