Some stress is healthy and can even help you get through difficult situations. However, chronic stress can lead to long-term health problems. Shannon Tierney, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota wellness coach, shares some tips to help you manage stress at work.
Q: What does stress in the workplace look like?
A: Stress at work is caused by many different things. It can be something small, like your computer not working, to something big, like a conflict with your boss. Some common causes of stress at work include lack of control, more responsibility, unhappiness with your job, confusion about your role, poor communication, lack of support and bad working conditions.
Some stress can be good by helping you rise to the occasion on a tight deadline. Stress that lasts too long, however, can lead to long-term health problems.
Q: What are symptoms of stress?
A: Common symptoms or signs of stress include headaches, trouble sleeping, problems focusing, short temper, upset stomach, being unhappy and low self-esteem. Chronic stress can cause more serious health conditions, like high blood pressure, back problems, depression and heart disease.
Q: How can stress impact my work?
A: Stress can cause poor job performance, unhappiness at work and poor relationships with coworkers and managers. It’s important to manage stress at work so you don’t put your job at risk.
Q: What are some stress management techniques I can do at work?
A: It is important to take your required breaks. During your breaks, you can:
- Take a walk around the building
- Do some deep breathing exercises
- Stretch
- Meditate
If chronic stress is negatively impacting your work on a regular basis, you should sit down with your boss to discuss your job performance and current stress levels.
Q: What can I do to manage work-related stress when I am not at work?
A: A daily activity like meditation, deep breathing, walking, yoga, stretching, massage, baths, journaling and coloring can help you manage your stress. Set SMART goals to complete these activities and stay on track. You are more likely to reach your goals if they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
Your SMART goal, for example, can be to do a 1-minute deep breathing exercise every day at work during lunch.
Q: What are some programs I can use to help manage my stress?
A: Blue Cross members have a variety of health programs to help you stay healthy. Some of them include fitness discounts* and the wellness discount marketplace*.
Blue Cross offers a wellness coaching program*, available with some plans. A wellness coach can help you determine what is causing you stress, then help you set goals and provide resources and support to manage your stress long term.
More health and wellness tips and programs
Stress symptoms and how to manage them
Press pause: The power of your breath
Employee Assistance Program
Learn to Live program
Learn more about preventive care
Get to know wellness coaches