When we talk about work-related stress, it’s easy to think of it in broad terms. But after a discussion with a friend, I realized that work stress can actually be broken down into two distinct types. This isn't about eustress versus distress, but rather stress that stems from different sources.
From a purely work perspective, stress can arise from:
1. The actual workload itself
2. The way you manage your work
1. Stress from the Actual Workload
This is the kind of stress that comes from the sheer amount of work on your plate. It’s the feeling that you have too much to do and not enough time to do it. Unfortunately, there’s little that can be done to eliminate this type of stress—because it’s real. When the volume of work pushes you to your limits or even breaks you, that’s a genuine source of stress. It’s a fact of life in many high-pressure jobs. And while you may not always have control over the workload itself, recognizing that this stress exists is the first step toward managing it.
2. Stress from How You Work
This is where you can take more control. Often, stress isn’t just about the amount of work—it’s about how the work is managed. Poor organization, lack of clear timelines, or not having a true grasp of how much you’re actually doing can contribute to this stress. But the good news is, this type of stress is much more manageable.
If you take the time to understand the nature of your work and organize it better, you can significantly reduce stress. Many people don’t track their tasks, clients, or how long each job takes, which leads to an overwhelming feeling that they’re buried in work when, in fact, they might just be disorganized.
Practical Steps to Manage Work-Related Stress
Here are some actionable steps to regain control and reduce the stress that comes from poor work management:
Track the number of clients you serve.
This gives you a clear picture of your workload and helps you prioritize. Maintain a detailed record of the clients you serve, including their specific needs and requirements. This will help you visualize the scope of your responsibilities and identify potential areas of overlap or inefficiency.
Track the types of work or tasks you handle.
Not all tasks are created equal. Some take more time and energy than others. Knowing what you’re dealing with will allow you to allocate your time more effectively.
Calculate the time you need to complete each task.
Be realistic here. The more accurate you are in estimating the time required for each task, the more control you’ll have over your day. Build in a buffer—an extra day or two—for unexpected challenges or delays.
Set due dates and stick to them.
Establish deadlines from the moment a task hits your desk until it's completed. This helps you pace yourself and avoid last-minute stress.
Track your work religiously.
It’s not enough to set up a system—you need to commit to it consistently. This discipline will pay off when your workload feels less overwhelming.
Remember to Separate Recurring and Non-Recurring Tasks
Unexpected tasks will always pop up, adding to your stress. But if you keep a column in your tracking system for recurring versus non-recurring tasks, you’ll start to see patterns. This allows you to plan better for recurring work and not feel blindsided by ad-hoc requests.
The Result: Reduced Stress, Greater Clarity
Once you start gathering substantial data on your workload, you'll notice that your stress begins to diminish. It won’t disappear overnight, but it will become more manageable. And over time, the data you collect will give you even more insight into how to structure your work more effectively.
Not All Stress Is Bad
Remember, not all stress is bad. Some stress pushes you to perform better. But if you can reduce or minimize the stress that comes from poor organization and unclear priorities, you’ll find yourself feeling more in control and less overwhelmed. It’s not about eliminating stress altogether but about minimizing the kind that you can control.
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