Anxiety can affect every aspect of our lives, including our employment. And if workplace anxiety isn’t properly managed, it has the potential to negatively impact our careers.
For example, if a promotion would require you to interact more with clients, give more presentations, or take more business trips—and you feel stressed at the prospect of having to take on those tasks—you may be more likely to turn down the advancement (as well as the salary increase that would accompany it). Likewise, if you have social anxiety, you may be less likely to chat with your coworkers in the break room and attend office parties, which could prevent you from building a valuable network.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage anxiety in the workplace. If you regularly experience anxiety while you’re at work, you may want to try:
- Keeping your desk, your computer desktop, and your email inbox organized and free of clutter
- Making prioritized to-do lists and scheduling enough time to complete each of your tasks
- Letting your coworkers know if you don’t have the bandwidth to take on additional work
- Asking for help when you begin feeling overwhelmed
- Avoiding checking work emails and voicemails after business hours
- Scheduling vacation time (even if you don’t have travel plans, a staycation can help you relax and clear your mind)
- Taking quick breaks whenever you start to feel anxious (for example, performing breathing exercises at your desk or taking a walk around the building)
- Leading a healthy lifestyle (for example, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising, and getting enough sleep each night)
Learn More About Anxiety Management
If you’re struggling to manage your anxiety at work, at home, or in other aspects of your life, we can help. Our caring therapists have extensive experience treating anxiety, and we can provide you with advice that’s tailored to your specific circumstances. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule your first therapy session.
5 Ways to Cope with Anxiety as a Parent
The hard work and unpredictability that makes parenting so rewarding can also cause a great deal of anxiety. Here are some simple ways to bring yourself to a place of calm. Make a To-Do List Ruminating on worries can cause lots of stress. Clear your mind by making a...
How to Help Manage a Loved One’s Anxiety
When a friend or loved one suffers from anxiety, it can be intimidating or frustrating trying to help them cope. Panic and anxiety attacks can leave the anxiety sufferer feeling any number of symptoms, and you may feel helpless and unable to support them. Here are...
4 Healthy Ways to Distract Yourself from Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural dialogue between our mind and body. It’s a red flag that something might be going on in our surroundings that requires our attention. For most of us, anxiety is an uncomfortable but fleeting feeling that pops up on occasion during particularly...
Quick! Get Your "Top Tips For Getting the Most Out of Counseling" Cheatsheet!
Like some of what you've seen and want to see more? Sign up for our Mailing List for a free cheat sheet on making the most out of counseling. Our list members also gain access to exclusive specials and announcements, as well as the latest from our Counseling Blog!