manage stress at work - #15472
I am really struggling to manage stress at work lately. Like, some days I feel like I’m just drowning. Last week, I had this huge project due and my boss kept piling on more tasks right when I thought I could finally breathe a little. I noticed I started getting headaches and my stomach felt all knotted up. I’m not even sure if it’s only the work stress or if it’s also bleeding into my home life—like I can't relax when I get home. Plus, I’ve been snapping at my family more than I wanna admit. It’s just hard to manage stress at work when it feels like it follows you everywhere, you know? I tried jotting down my tasks, and even took a couple of breaks during the day, but it doesn't seem to help that much. I keep thinking about how to manage stress at work and between the meetings and tight deadlines, I feel like there's just no room to breathe. Has anyone out there found a good way to manage stress at work? Like, what really works? I need some solid tips before this consumes me!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Managing stress at work can be challenging, especially when it starts to bleed into your personal life and affects your health. Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge the physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues as signs that your body’s under pressure and needs attention. Consider breaking your tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Set clear priorities, and focus on one task at a time, this might help purify your sense of accomplishment and lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed. Employing time management strategies like using the Pomodoro Technique – work for 25-minutes, then take a 5-minute break – can also be effective. This can help increase productivity while allowing you to break the cycle of stress. Another tip is to set boundaries around work. If possible, try to establish a cut-off time after which you no longer check emails or engage in work-related activities, giving yourself space to unwind. Ensuring you make time for relaxation as part of your daily routine, like practicing mindfulness or yoga, can reduce stress and improve your overall mental health. Exercise is another valuable tool; even a short walk can do wonders to relieve tension and clear your mind. Communicate with your supervisor about your workload, possibly delegating some tasks or extending deadlines could bring relief. And remember, reaching out to professional help, such as a counselor or therapist, might be useful if stress continues to be unmanageable. They could offer tailored strategies and support that work best for you. Recognizing when stress is too much and taking steps to manage it, is a crucial part of maintaining your well-being both in and outside of work.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.