Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that you're unable to control. These feelings can range from nervousness, uneasiness, and apprehension to panic, terror, and a sense of impending doom. It's one thing to deal with this alone or at home in your free time. But of the time, we don't have a say about where or when anxiety hits us.
Anxiety at work can be stressful. It can negatively impact your work performance and make you feel like you're unable to concentrate on tasks. It can also make you feel like you're not as confident as you should be and like your performance isn't good enough.
Today, we're going to explore a few simple ways to deal with anxiety whenever it happens at work.
Here's what you can do:
Step Away and Take a Breath
When you're feeling anxious, it can be easy to get swept up in your feelings and let them overwhelm you. But try to remind yourself to pause and take a breath. You can also try to distract yourself for a moment by doing a simple task, such as making a cup of tea or coffee.
If you get to work early, you can always spend some time in the kitchen and make yourself a cup of tea or coffee. This is the best way to get yourself into the mindset you need to start your day.
Call Someone You Love
Knowing that you're not alone can help you feel better. If you feel safe and comfortable, you can call a friend or family member and talk to them about your feelings. This could be a great way to talk about your feelings and get the reassurance that you need. If you don't feel safe or comfortable calling someone at work, you can also contact a support line.
Take a Walk
If you're feeling anxious and the only thing you can think about doing is getting away from your desk, you can try to take a short walk.
You don't have to go all the way across the office. You can go to the bathroom or the cafeteria and take a few minutes to yourself.
If you're walking there and back, it's also a good idea to listen to some light music on your iPod or phone. You don't have to listen to it during work hours, but it can be an excellent way to get yourself into the mood for work.
Ground Yourself with an Item
A simple trick like this can help you relax. When you start feeling anxious, reach for an item you can't leave the office without. Keep a pen or pencil on you at all times, and if you ever feel anxiety, hold it in your hand.
This will help remind you that you're safe and grounded in the present. It can also remind you of the other small things that you can't leave home without, like your keys, wallet, or even your smartphone.
The Bottom Line
Anxiety is real, and it happens to many of us. A lot of different factors can cause it, but it's not something that you should ignore. If you're feeling anxious at work, it's essential to reach out and talk to someone.
You can even talk to your boss or a colleague who you trust to get some advice. Most people are hesitant to talk about how they feel, but it's okay to feel anxious. Talking about it can help you release all of it and feel better.
Along with your love and effort, therapy has been known to help children process their thoughts following a traumatic experience. If you need a therapist in the Houston area, we are here to help you. Contact Hope Seed Support Center. We provide counseling services both in-person and online for those that need them.