Stress and anxiety are very common in the job market today, especially in fields that deal with a wide range of people who are struggling with their mental health. Managing stress at work in the behavioral health industry is essential to avoid burning out and negatively impacting the level of care you provide. Stress can impact your concentration, slow response times, and affect your ability to provide quality care. While jobs in behavioral health can be very rewarding, there are times when the job will be very stressful.
At Behavioral Health Jobs, we provide helpful tips for succeeding in the behavioral health industry, along with a jobs database with thousands of jobs in healthcare. Job seekers will find tips for building their resume, what to do and not do during an interview, and other beneficial information. When ready, they can search for jobs and filter by experience and education level, certification requirements, type of employment, and other criteria. If you are interested in finding behavioral health jobs near you, check out all of the available jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
How Common Is Workplace Stress and Anxiety?
Everybody will experience stress and anxiety at work at some point in their lives. That is the nature of working with other types of people and personalities. Even people who work for themselves will experience stress and anxiety caused by a number of reasons. Workplace stress is so common that it is now a recognized disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition, now categorizes workplace stress and anxiety as a Trauma and Stress-Related Disorder, which includes PTSD and Adjustment Disorders.
There are several causes of workplace stress, such as:
- Low company morale
- Poor management style
- Heavy workloads
- Upcoming deadlines
- Toxic co-workers
- Pay inequality
- Abusive customers
- Workplace bullying
- COVID-19
Managing workplace anxiety and stress is possible through various mindfulness techniques that are proven to reduce stress and anxiety. There are several physical and mental exercises that you can do in or around the workplace when things get too stressful to concentrate.
Tips for Managing Stress at Work
If your work environment is causing stress and anxiety, it does not mean you should find a new job right away. There are plenty of ways to reduce stress at work so you can be productive throughout the day.
- Identify your stress triggers – Knowing what triggers your stress can help you stop any build-up before it happens. Write down the situations or people that trigger stress so you can begin to identify why it triggers you. Doing so can help you mentally prepare yourself and not let stress get the better of you.
- Take a quick exercise break – Stress and anxiety create a build-up of negative energy that you can release through exercise. This can be anything from going to the gym before or after work to a quick 30-minute routine during lunch. If you are in a stressful situation at work and can’t think straight, step away for 5-10 minutes and walk around the office to release tension and refocus.
- Time management skills – If your stress is due to not meeting deadlines, you can look at your work routine and make some changes to be more productive. Make a list of what needs to be done each day and put the most important tasks to be done first. Be sure to give yourself a few breaks during the day to prevent burning out.
- Take a meditative break – Meditation is an excellent way to clear your mind and focus on the task at hand. When things get too stressful at work, take 5-10 minutes to meditate. This can help clear your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and refocus your attention on what needs to be done. Meditating in the morning is a great way to prepare yourself for the day.
Managing workplace anxiety is possible, and you can easily incorporate these techniques and others into your daily routine. After a few days or weeks, you will see a significant reduction in your stress levels and an improvement in work performance.
Why Stress Management Is So Important to Work Performance
Stress management is important for a number of reasons. Stress can have a serious impact on physical and mental health, leading to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and other illnesses. It can lead to decreased motivation and productivity at work, deteriorating relationships with colleagues and superiors, and even leaving an employee feeling burned out and uninspired.
Furthermore, stress can interfere with problem-solving ability and decision-making skills. With the increasing demands of today’s workplace, employees must have the tools needed to manage their stress in order to stay productive and successful. Proper stress management techniques help reduce fatigue, improve concentration, boost morale, foster creativity and innovation, and enhance problem-solving abilities – all contributing factors when it comes to performance at work.
Employers should take steps to ensure their employees are equipped with the right tools and resources to handle stress effectively. This could include providing training on how to practice mindful meditation or relaxation exercises, encouraging vacations and breaks, and offering flexible or adjusted working hours. By helping employees manage their stress levels better, employers can benefit from improved workplace performance and improved employee satisfaction. Taking action is important for both employers and employees alike, creating a healthier, more productive working environment for everyone.
Behavioral Health Jobs: Your Top Resource for Jobs in Behavioral Health
The Behavioral Health Jobs website is tailored for the behavioral health industry, with new jobs added daily for administrative, technical, and clinical positions. Companies are actively searching for qualified employees to fill the growing demand for professional healthcare services all across the country. If you are interested in finding a new career in the behavioral health industry, check out the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
