Tips for Overcoming Stress from Work

Do you find yourself experiencing stress from work? Are you unsure on what you can do to help yourself overcome stress from work? To help understand what type of impact stress from work can have on work performance and for tips on overcoming stress from work, I have interviewed psychotherapist Valerie Chu.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am an art therapist in independent practice in New York City. I specialize in treating stress, anxiety and trauma-related issues in adults and children using art therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), a psychotherapy method particularly effective for dealing with trauma. I have an MA in art therapy from New York University and a BA from Yale University. My work has been published in ArtTherapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, and I travel internationally as well to conduct and present on art therapy with trauma-affected populations."

What type of impact can stress from work have on work performance?
"While some forms of stress may have the positive effect of improving focus and increasing alertness, chronic or excessive stress can have detrimental effects on overall work performance. People who are chronically stressed from work could suffer from a whole host of issues such as gastro-intestinal problems, depressed immune system, sleep irregularities, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, excessive negative thoughts, loss of motivation, and fatigue. Any of these symptoms can negatively impact people's work performance in a number of ways. For example, if someone is frequently irritable or gets angry at the smallest provocation, one's relationship with co-workers, clients or bosses could be hindered. Likewise, aches and pains, lack of motivation, or the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts can affect a person's ability to concentrate on and perform the work that needs to be done, or to solve problems that arise effectively. Generally, physical and emotional health problems often lead to decreased work productivity."

What are some tips for overcoming stress from work?
"There are many strategies for dealing with and overcoming work-related stress. One important strategy is simply to take breaks away from the work. This can be done in a variety of ways. For example, throughout the workday, try to take short breaks (when possible) away from the computer or phone. This could mean going for a short walk, doing some stretching exercises, meditating, or even just closing your eyes and focusing on deep breathing for a few minutes. During your lunch hour, rather than simply eating at your desk in front of the computer, try to seek out a change in scenery. You could eat with colleagues at a different location, sit outside on a park bench, or go to a local restaurant. On your days off from work, engage in activities that you enjoy and try not to over-commit to social engagements, especially ones that may be stressful. Some people find that it is helpful to set aside periods of time where they turn off their phones, electronic devices or computer completely. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, or find your mind racing the moment you lie down, reduce the amount of electronic stimulation (TV, surfing the internet, etc.) and try to limit dealing with work-related matters an hour or two before bedtime. Moderate exercise is also extremely beneficial to combat the effects of stress on your body.

Be careful of using alcohol, drugs, or junk food to deal with stress. While these substances offer temporary relief, they can negatively affect your health and further exacerbate your stress, leading to a vicious cycle.

Furthermore, it would be important to try to identify the source of stress from work. Is it fundamentally because you are in a job that is ill-suited to your talent, skills and interests? Does the stress stem from problematic relationships with a superior or colleague? Are there unrealistic expectations placed on you that you simply cannot meet? These are some areas worth considering as you try to manage work-related stress."

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time overcoming stress from work?
"Psychotherapy can be very helpful to people who are having a difficult time managing work-related stress on their own. If you enjoy the arts, a creative arts therapist can aid you in using non-verbal means to express your emotions and explore your issues. Seeing a trusted therapist can help you identify the sources of stress, any harmful or ineffective ways you use to cope, and then assist you in developing more adaptive ways to manage the stress. Often, dealing with the root causes of stress can lead to life changes that can greatly improve your situation."

Thank you Valerie for doing the interview on tips for overcoming stress from work. For more information on Valerie Chu or her work you can check out her website on www.artspringnyc.com .

Recommended Readings:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6201914/balancing_the_demands_of_work_and_family.html?cat=72">Balancing the Demands of Work and Family

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5961860/how_to_create_balance_between_your.html?cat=5">How to Create Balance between Your Work & Personal Life

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5594512/how_to_avoid_work_burn_out.html?cat=5">How to Avoid Work Burn Out