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Friday, April 28, 2017

3 Ways to Manage Work-Related Stress

A big part of staying sober is learning how to manage stress, which unfortunately, is unavoidable and ever-present in many aspects of daily life. 

According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) annual Stress in America Survey, 65 percent of Americans say work is a top source of stress. What’s more, only 37 percent of those surveyed admit to doing a good job managing the stress.

There’s no denying that having a job can be a powerful tool in helping you to live a happy, healthy and sober life. Work can boost your self-esteem and sense of responsibility in addition to providing income, stability, normalcy and a sense of community.  It’s important to note, however, that job-related stress can also pose risks to your long-term recovery. Luckily, a little effort can go a long way in dealing with work stressors.

Your first step: Figuring out the exact source(s) of your stress. According to the APA, the most common work-related stressors include:
  • Low salaries
  • Excessive workloads
  • Few opportunities for growth or advancement
  • Work that isn't engaging or challenging
  • Lack of social support
  • Not having enough control over job-related decisions
  • Conflicting demands or unclear performance expectations
Returning to work after rehab may also pose some additional stressors, including:
  • Resentment from colleagues over your past job performance, attitude or absenteeism
  • Anxiety over social situations or work obligations that may involve alcohol
  • Low self-esteem or self-doubt regarding your own capabilities and job performance
  • Gossiping co-workers
You Can Take Steps to Control Stress
To manage these stressors, the APA suggests the following tips:

Journal your stressors. Write down which situations create the most stress and how you reacted. For example, did you raise your voice? Get a snack from the vending machine? Go for a walk? This can help you find patterns among your stressors and your reactions to them.

Develop healthy responses. Do your best to make healthy choices when you feel the tension rise and be sure to set aside time for the activities/hobbies that bring you pleasure. Some ideas:
  • Exercise     
  • Yoga
  • Reading
  • Playing games with your family
Seek out support. Turn to a trusted friend or family member to help you better cope with stress. You may also consider talking to your employer, who may have stress management resources available through an employee assistance program (EAP).

Post-Treatment Support for Men & Women
At Haus Recovery, we provide our clients with continued support as they transition from a secure recovery environment to the stressors found in daily life. To learn more: 888-551-4715.


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