Everyone has a bad day at work now and then. Usually, it all blows over after the weekend, and life can return to normal. But sometimes one bad day can roll into another and another until you feel like every day at work is unpleasant. We spend more hours a week with our colleagues than we do with our family during waking hours. If this part of your life has become unbearable, it’s time to deal with it.
Take a breather if you can. If you’re owed some time off, make your excuses and take some leave as quickly as possible. If you’re not eligible for paid leave you can still take some time without pay if you need it. This may not be financially viable for you, though. Instead, you may need to consider taking a sick day. Stress if a very real problem that can affect your overall health. It will certainly affect your performance at work. Your employer should be made aware if workplace stress has become a health issue. Speak to your doctor.
It’s important to take a break sooner rather than later. And if you’re feeling like things are getting too much use your lunch break to take a walk outside of the office. Walking helps reduce the stress hormone cortisol. See how it affects you at websites like https://adrenalfatigue.org/cortisol-adrenal-function/. Walking also helps the whole body relax. Best of all, it can refocus your mind so you feel a bit more able to cope with the difficult situation at work.
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If your boss is coming down hard on you for no reason, let them know. Tell them that their behavior is having a negative effect rather than being a motivation for better work. If this provokes even worse behavior, then speak to their boss or your HR team. This is especially important if you feel you may be fired for speaking out. There are consequences of this.
There are times when a colleague or boss can behave in a way that is harmful to you. They might dock your pay, be physically aggressive, or leave you unable to complete your duties. If you feel your position is threatened, you may need to speak to someone like the lawyers at www.WarriorsforJustice.com. Labor law is there to protect the employee so it’s worth exploring how it can help in your situation.
In an ideal world, the situation would not escalate to this. We’re all different and have different coping mechanisms for workplace stress. We also all have different tolerances. There are several options you could explore if you feel your problems at work are causing emotional, mental, or physical harm. You might choose to address the situation directly. Speak to the person causing the problem. You could write a letter. They might not realise that you’re suffering.
Another way to deal with it is to practice relaxation techniques. This can help improve your capacity to cope with everyday work pressures. Don’t be hasty to quit. You have rights at work, and it’s worth exploring them first. Be well at work.
