Stress means a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from very demanding or adverse circumstances. Stress can come from several factors including relationship conflicts, illness, divorce, unemployment, violence in the community, and other major threats.
High achievers may find the hectic pace of New York City thrilling, but it can also be detrimental to their mental health. Striking a balance between work and personal life can be difficult in a city that never sleeps. High achievers consequently often deal with stress and anxiety in the workplace. .
Understanding the Effects of Stress
High stress often affects the body and causes many people to get unpleasant feelings and conditions including headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, asthma, depression, and anxiety. Other people often find their bodies get sick, and experience skin rashes, illnesses, infections, or bowel problems.
According to data compiled by WebMD, 75% to 90% of all doctor’s office visits by adults are for stress-related ailments and complaints. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared stress a hazard in the workplace. Stress costs the American industry more than $300 billion annually.
Still, many people when stressed get angry easily, feel very tired, sad, or guilty, worry, have changes in appetite, and cannot focus on what they do.
The Impact of Workplace Stress on High Achievers
The desire to succeed and excel in one’s career is a common motivator for high achievers. However, this drive can also result in workplace stress, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. High achievers are less understanding when things don’t go as planned because they have high expectations for both themselves and others. When they don’t get the best results possible from their best effort, they start to berate themselves harshly. They become easily agitated and frustrated. Here are some of the ways stress and anxiety in the workplace can affect high achievers:
- Anxiety: Perfectionists who are high achievers might worry about not living up to their high expectations or falling short of their objectives.
- Burnout: High achievers may feel pressured to work long hours or take on excessive workloads, which can lead to burnout.
- Physical health problems: Physical health issues like headaches, back pain, and sleep disturbances can also be brought on by workplace stress.
- Emotional exhaustion: High achievers may also suffer from emotional exhaustion, which can make it challenging for them to regulate their emotions and handle stress.
Stress and anxiety in the workplace can come from an extremely demanding or insecure job, the pressure of assignments and other daily responsibilities, burnout, conflict with colleagues, competition within the organization, work overload, lack of income, pressure from the market, and investor expectations. It can also be brought about by a sudden negative change such as company financial losses and uncertainty about the future. Poor coping with stress can lead to relational problems, substance use, and worsening moods and depression.
How to Deal with Workplace Stress – Especially in NYC
Stress is a major obstacle to achieving professional success. Understanding when and how to report stress in the workplace can help you overcome this obstacle. If you are a high achiever in New York City, follow this advice put together by the World Economic Forum to boost your career and keep stress from taking over.
- Keep your problem in perspective. Be mentally strong, understand that stressful situations arise, and don’t let the ill effects loom over you. Frame your negative thoughts into something more realistic to keep your stress in the proper perspective.
- Reassure yourself. Let your self-confidence and self-assurance help you through stress. Tell yourself you can deal with stress and that you’ll be okay no matter what happens. Knowing how to report stress in the workplace can be reassuring for when you’re ready to seek out help.
- Focus on what you can control. Spring into action and engage in active problem-solving when you can address problems. Don’t waste energy on things you can’t control.
- Be aware of your source of stress. Be aware of your stressors and the warning signs that you are becoming stressed out. Adjust your activities and lifestyle accordingly so you can combat stress effectively.
- Establish healthy boundaries. Be responsible for your actions and don’t blame others for infringing on your time or space.
- Spend time with positive people. Seek out, positive people. Social support is an important part of combating stress and anxiety in the workplace.
- Have fun. Engage in leisure activities to fight stress. It is beneficial for your mental strength.
- Use healthy coping skills. Use healthy coping skills such as meditation, walking, or journaling to deal with stress.
Learn strategies for managing stress in the workplace!
Living and working in New York City can bring about a lot of daily stress and anxiety in the workplace. Reach out to us at Uncover Mental Health Counseling and together we can explore how we can help you cope with the stress that’s keeping you reaching your best potential.
