Stress. It’s a part of life. But there comes a point when the usual work stress devolves into something more. As the stress builds, your performance begins to suffer. Productivity wanes, and you may begin to experience a variety of physical symptoms or health problems.

While you can’t control everything in your work environment, there are a number of things within your realm to manage. If it feels as though the stress is beginning to build to the point of being unhealthy, consider these tips to get it back under control.

The thing that ultimately sets a person off is rarely the original source of the issue. The same can often be said with stress. Examine any recent changes in your schedule, both personal and professional, such as overtime requirements or increased responsibilities at home. Consider if there is a particular task or deadline that is pushing you into uncomfortable territory, or if the threat of a job loss is in the air.

At times, a single influence may be largely responsible. At others, it could be the cumulative effect of many recent changes. Understanding where the stress is actually coming from is a great first step to solving the issue. It can guide you in the right direction to find a resolution.

If a change in workload, professionally or personally, or a feeling of uncertainty about your job is driving the stress response, schedule a time to speak with your manager. Discuss your concerns or challenges openly for the purpose of receiving constructive feedback. You may find that fears about your performance are unfounded, or that the situation is due to change in the near future. In cases where the stress is from your personal life, but affecting your professional life, you may be able to find the support or assistance you required to better manage the situation as a whole.

When it feels like the work is never-ending, or that there are too many conflicting priorities, taking the time to get organized can help put things in perspective. It is easy to get into a frantic mindset. Once there, it is difficult to focus and keep information straight. By dedicating some time to solely the activity of getting organized, you can better assess what is really in front of you. This will help you create a battle plan to address the tasks in an order that makes sense, and with the knowledge that nothing will be overlooked.

Maybe someone wants a favor, or they are truly unaware of your current workload. No matter the reason, you are under no specific obligation to take on a task that doesn’t have to be yours. If you truly can’t take on anymore, don’t be afraid to say no.

Along a similar line, make sure to delegate tasks when appropriate. Not every task has to land in your hands. If someone else is equipped to do a solid job, and they have the time to manage the task, feel free to hand it off. That way, you know it has been covered while not having to personally carry it.

Sometimes having an extra set of hands, even for a few days, is all you need to get some of your tasks handled. Here at Advance Staffing, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you figure out exactly the time of worker you need to get through this rough patch. Contact us today for a more relaxing tomorrow.