Coping with Stresses and Anxieties in the Business World


18 September 2007 Stan Popovich


Everybody deals with anxiety and stress in the business world, however sometimes our anxieties can get the best of us. Stanley Popovich suggests a list of techniques that can be used to help manage daily stresses and anxieties in the business world.


Sometimes, we get stressed when everything happens all at once. For example some people have to do many things at once such as meeting a project deadline and having to pick up the kids from school.

When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This mental time out will help you to refocus on the current situation.

DIVIDE THE TASK

When facing a current or upcoming task at your job or business that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks one at a time. Completing these smaller tasks will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

Be smart in how you deal with your stresses and anxieties when on the job. Do not try to tackle everything all at once. When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, break the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

BE REALISTIC

Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

"In dealing with your anxieties at your job, learn to take it one day at a time."

For example, you are afraid that if you do not get that job promotion then you will be stuck at your job forever. This depresses you – however your thinking in this situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds of jobs available and just because you don't get this job promotion doesn't mean that you will never get one.

In addition, people change jobs all the time, and you always have the option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present location.

TURN FEAR TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Remember that no one can predict the future with 100% certainty. Even if the thing that you feared does happen there are circumstances and factors that you can't predict which can be used to your advantage. For instance, let's say at your place of work that you miss the deadline for a project you have been working on for the last few months.

Everything you feared is coming true. Suddenly, your boss comes to your office and tells you that the deadline is extended and that he forgot to tell you the day before. This unknown factor changes everything. Remember: we may be 99% correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that 1% to make a world of difference.

FOCUS ON THE PRESENT

In dealing with your anxieties at your job, learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. Focus on the present and stop trying to predict what may happen next week. Next week will take care of itself.

"Divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks one at a time."

Sometimes, we can get anxious over a task that we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualise yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you and your team have to give a presentation in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself giving the presentation in your mind. By rehearsing the presentation in your mind you will be better prepared when the time comes.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem.

By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Managing your fears and anxieties takes practice. The more you practice, the better you will become.

Our anxieties and stresses can be difficult to manage at our place of work and in the business world. The more control you have over your stresses and anxieties, the better off you will be in the long run at your job and other business endeavours.