Who is responsible for your stress management at work?

Sometime back, a 25-year-old man with a great education and a job at a very reputable company took his own life at work. This tragic event brings to light the serious issue of workplace stress and burnout. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time someone has taken such drastic steps due to stress. Workplace stress is very real, and it is everywhere. In this blog, we will discuss why stress happens, what causes it, and how we can respond better to these situations.

The Templatised Life: Why Stress Feels Unavoidable

Most of us follow a "template" in life. We study hard, get a degree, land a job, and try to excel in our careers. But when we follow this template, we often react to stress in a "templated" way, too. Instead of taking a step back to analyse what’s happening, we go full throttle, pushing ourselves to handle the stress without considering how much it affects our mental and physical health.

In many cases, stress is seen as something you should simply push through. Admitting you're stressed or struggling is often viewed as a sign of weakness. As a result, many people feel pressured to keep going, even when they’re overwhelmed. However, ignoring stress and continuing to work at full capacity can lead to burnout. And for some, like the man in the story above, it can become too much to bear.

The Pressure of Having a Degree and High Expectations

Having a good degree or a great job can add to the pressure. Many people think, "If I can’t handle stress with all my qualifications, what’s the point of having them?" This mindset can weaken your ability to think clearly and find solutions to the challenges you face. The stress piles up, and you find yourself in a dangerous cycle of trying to live up to unrealistic expectations.

The Problem of Celebrating Stress

In many workplaces, stress is almost celebrated. People brag about how hard they work and how many hours they put in. "I worked 12 hours straight" becomes something to boast about. But this shows a lack of self-awareness. What works for someone else might not work for you. You need to recognise your limits, and understand what makes you feel good and what doesn’t. Everyone has their own capacity, and just because someone else can handle a certain level of stress doesn’t mean you need to do the same.

Comparing Yourself to Others Adds to Stress

Another common issue is comparing ourselves to others who seem to handle stress better. If someone is balancing work and life well, we often come up with reasons to explain why they can do it but we can’t. For example, we might say, "Their office is closer to home, so they don’t have to commute as much," or "Their spouse has a good job, so they don’t have financial stress." But this thinking doesn’t help. Your stress and your circumstances are unique to you, and it’s important to recognise that. Rather than comparing, focus on your own situation and what you can do to manage your stress better.

Stress Is Everywhere – And It Won’t Disappear

Whether you are working for a company or running your own business, stress is something you cannot avoid. Expecting your workplace or the world to change to accommodate your stress is unrealistic. If you quit a stressful job, someone else will take your place. The work will continue, and so will the stress. The key is to understand that your mental health and well-being come first. The world won’t change, so it’s up to you to find ways to cope with stress and live a balanced life.

Waiting for Stress to End Doesn’t Work

Many people think, "Let me just finish this one project, and then I’ll take a break." But life doesn’t work that way. Once one stressful event ends, another will take its place. Stress will always be there. Instead of waiting for it to disappear, learn to manage it better in the moment. Developing a strategy to deal with stress while it’s happening is the only way to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed.

Practical Tips for Handling Workplace Stress

Now that we’ve discussed the causes of workplace stress let’s talk about some practical ways to handle it. Here are a few tips to help you manage stress in a healthier way:

1. Increase Self-Awareness

Recognise your stress triggers and understand your limits. Know when it’s time to take a break and when you need to ask for help. Self-awareness is the first step toward better stress management.

2. Create a Work-Life Balance

Don’t let work consume your entire life. Make time for hobbies, exercise, and spending time with loved ones. A healthy balance between work and personal life can help reduce stress.

3. Develop Coping Mechanisms

Find ways to relax and de-stress. This could be through meditation, exercise, or simply taking a walk outside. Find what works best for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

4. Avoid Comparison

Stop comparing yourself to others. Focus on your own journey and what works best for you. Everyone’s situation is different, and what works for someone else might not work for you.

5. Seek Professional Help

If stress becomes too much to handle, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor can provide you with the tools and support you need to manage stress effectively.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Stress

Workplace stress is a reality, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By increasing your self-awareness, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and focusing on your own well-being, you can manage stress more effectively. Remember, stress doesn’t make you weak—it’s a normal part of life. What matters is how you handle it. So, take a step back, reassess your situation, and make your mental health a priority.