WORKPLACE ANXIETY

WORKPLACE ANXIETY

Workplace Anxiety

It’s normal for people to feel nervous during an interview or before public speaking; however, it’s estimated that 19 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders each year. Anxiety in the workplace can have a major impact—individuals who suffer from anxiety may have difficulty with common workplace expectations such as meeting deadlines or maintaining relationships with peers.

Like other illnesses, anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors. The most common symptoms of anxiety disorders include continuous obsessive thoughts, fatigue, extreme feelings of fear and panic, headaches, difficulty speaking and nausea.

Anxiety-relieving Techniques

Though feelings of anxiety can be pervasive, the following techniques can help mitigate symptoms:

Move around: Taking a brief walk or finding a quiet area in the workplace to perform a quick exercise can help alleviate feelings of anxiety. Moving around releases endorphins that can have a calming effect on individuals.Break-up large tasks: Large projects can sometimes seem overwhelming; but, by breaking them down into smaller tasks, they may be easier to complete. Try to break down tasks by the hour, and take breaks when necessary to focus on what you’ve accomplished.

It’s estimated that 13 percent of the adult American workforce suffers from anxiety disorders each year.

Reassure yourself: Anxiety is often a temporary feeling that becomes an obsessive thought. Before you begin dwelling on one thought for too long, reassure yourself that you will be OK and that the negative feelings will pass. You can also try to focus on something else, or go for a brief walk. Then, re-evaluate your feelings afterwards.

Talk with someone: It can be helpful to communicate your feelings with someone, either in or out of the workplace. Friends and loved ones can offer words of reassurance, and even writing an unrelated email to someone you know can help to slow or stop feelings of anxiety.

Anxiety in the workplace is very common and impacts millions of people on a daily basis. Don’t hesitate to contact a trained professional if you feel you need assistance dealing with anxiety.