My mornings begin like countless others: I rise before dawn to shower and dress. I brew a cup of coffee or grab from my secret stash of cold brew in the fridge—iced coffee is my go-to all year round. Then, I power up my laptop. By 7:00 AM, I’m logged in and ready for the day. Yet, regardless of whether I have a packed schedule or a more leisurely day ahead, I feel an immediate wave of stress. My chest tightens, my head aches, and soon my hands feel clammy while sweat forms under my arms. This heightened anxiety leaves me irritable and snappy. Within just half an hour, I find myself raising my voice at my kids. The reasons are many—I struggle with bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder, and the pressures of working from home have intensified these emotions.
I feel trapped with no outlets or escapes. My concentration is constantly fragmented, and I feel a lack of control in both my personal and professional life, which only increases my stress and despondency. I’m restless, irritable, and unhappy.
The pandemic has shuttered many favorite local spots like bookstores and coffee shops where I could typically write in peace. Remote work has become the norm, often alongside family members and kids engaged in virtual schooling, leading to overwhelming stress. Many people, including myself, are feeling burnt out. However, I can’t claim that working from home is the only reason for my anxiety.
Having an overwhelming workload puts me on edge. I worry about whether I have enough time to complete everything. When there’s not enough work, I stress over finances and meeting bills. And deadlines? My calendar is jam-packed, leaving no room for sick days, arguments, or temper tantrums.
According to an article on Verywell Mind, “Work anxiety may be caused by various characteristics of the work environment.” It’s common for significant events, like starting a new job, to induce temporary anxiety, but ongoing anxiety can permeate every aspect of life. WebMD notes, “Experiencing anxiety at work can profoundly impact your career,” leading to symptoms such as excessive worry, irritability, fatigue, and trouble concentrating. You might even withdraw from friends and family or, like me, immerse yourself in work until you’re overwhelmed and unable to breathe, living in a heightened state of stress for weeks or months until something finally breaks you.
Just yesterday morning, I snapped at my son over his demands for attention, food, and the chaos that comes with parenting. I know I’m not alone. Millions of people face similar work-related anxiety; a recent report found that 83% of American workers feel stressed at their jobs. The reason? Many are simply overworked. As highlighted by the American Institute of Stress, “Heavy workloads, long hours, and demanding bosses all contribute to workplace stress.” Our work-life balance is not just skewed; it’s severely unbalanced.
However, you don’t have to remain trapped in a cycle of stress and anxiety. Here are some strategies to help you regain control:
- Be Honest with Yourself. Recognize that you can’t do everything. Don’t take on more than you can handle.
- Communicate Your Needs. Discuss your requirements with your boss, coworkers, and family. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask.
- Establish Healthy Habits. Prioritize a balanced diet, regular exercise, and take breaks. Even a brief walk around your home can make a difference.
- Celebrate Your Achievements. Instead of fixating on failures, acknowledge the tasks you’ve successfully completed.
- Seek External Help When Necessary. Sometimes, professional coaching or counseling can provide the support you need.
Will these steps eliminate all workplace stress? No, but they can help you regain a sense of balance and control in your life. Reducing your triggers can lead to a calmer state of mind.
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Summary:
The article discusses the intense stress and anxiety that many individuals, including the author, experience while working from home, especially during the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s limitations, communicating needs, maintaining healthy habits, celebrating small victories, and seeking help when necessary to alleviate workplace anxiety.