In today's highly competitive world, work-related stress has become an ever-present challenge that affects both freelancers and employees. The pressure to meet deadlines, produce exceptional work, constantly develop our skills and manage complex relationships with colleagues or clients can often become overwhelming and take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. Alas, it seems that stress is an inescapable part of modern-day work culture, and simply avoiding it altogether doesn’t seem feasible.

However, there are various tools and techniques that we can utilize to alter our relationship with stress and effectively manage it. By adopting a proactive approach, we can navigate the challenges of our work environments and maintain our equilibrium. While the level of stress may not decrease, our ability to cope with it can significantly improve.

Recognize the Signs of Stress

The initial and most crucial step in managing work-related stress is to acknowledge the signs taking a toll on your physical and mental well-being. Developing self-awareness is a critical first step in initiating any change, including reducing stress. To recognize the subtle imbalances and signs of stress within our body, we must cultivate the art of simply "being" rather than continuously "doing."

It is important to acknowledge that pushing ourselves to the limit without taking breaks or self-care measures can be detrimental in the long run. For example, have you ever noticed feeling unusually exhausted or sick the moment you take a vacation or weekend off? This is likely because you were adept at pushing yourself to your limits, and when you finally allowed yourself a break, all of the accumulated stress and tension suddenly surfaced. Therefore, learning to pay attention to our body and mind's signals, and taking appropriate action to reduce stress, is essential to maintaining optimal health and productivity.

Symptoms of stress can include physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches, mental symptoms like irritability or anxiety, a ruminating mind, negative self-talk, sleep disorders and behavioral symptoms like avoiding tasks or isolating oneself. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to take action to address the underlying causes of your stress.

Take Breaks and Set Boundaries

One effective way to manage work-related stress is to take breaks throughout the day. Whether you're a freelancer working from home or an employee in a traditional office setting, it's crucial to step away from your work and recharge your batteries. This can mean taking a short walk, doing a quick meditation, or simply stepping outside for some fresh air.

Setting boundaries is another key strategy for managing stress. This can mean saying no to extra work or commitments when you're feeling overwhelmed, or setting clear expectations with clients or colleagues about when you'll be available to work or communicate. Easier said than done, I know… setting boundaries requires practice and are often uncomfortable, yet overtime they give you confidence and peace of mind.

Create a Supportive Environment

Having a supportive work environment can also be key in managing stress. For freelancers, this might mean seeking out networking opportunities or joining a professional community online. For employees, it might mean seeking out a mentor or supportive colleague to talk to when you're feeling stressed.

It's also important to remember that you're not alone in experiencing work-related stress. Talking openly with colleagues or friends about your experiences can help to reduce feelings of isolation and provide helpful insights and tips for coping.

Practice Self-Care

Finally, practicing self-care is an essential part of managing work-related stress. This means prioritizing healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. It can also mean engaging in activities that bring you joy or help you relax, like reading a book, practicing yoga, or listening to music. It doesn’t have to be big, and it definitely doesn’t have to be the “perfect” morning routine. Focus on what makes you feel good according to the level of energy that you have this day. Step smoothly out of your comfort zone, give yourself a little push by staying committed to your wellbeing especially if you feel lethargic and not motivated.

REMINDER : Our brain is designed to make us feel safe and protected, it is never going to encourage you to step our for a 20min run. You have to take the higher road ;)

By taking care of yourself both physically and mentally, you'll be better equipped to handle the demands of work and reduce the impact of stress on your overall well-being.

Work-related stress is a common issue that affects both freelancers and employees. By recognizing the signs of stress, taking breaks and setting boundaries, creating a supportive environment, and practicing self-care, you can effectively manage stress and promote a healthier work-life balance. Remember that stress is a natural part of work, but it's important to take proactive steps to manage it and prioritize your well-being.