Do you feel stressed at work too?

[Fellowmater]

For these past weeks, my workplace has been a toxic environment due to the fact that we’ve stayed working with a skeleton crew even after lockdowns, and some tasks have been doubled or tripled in some weeks while we suffer from tight deadlines.

Is there anyone here that feels the same somehow? I wonder how you have handled such stress and anxiety so far, and at the same time maintained your collectedness at work?

[Steve3007]

No, I have to admit that when I go into the office these days it's a more relaxed place than it used to be. Fewer people and a lot more time spent metaphorically standing around the water cooler¹ chatting and joking about how terribly the government is doing with Covid and Brexit and how shocking it is that the Arsenal might get relegated at the end of this season.

¹Literally standing around the water cooler is considered too dangerous these days.

[Fellowmater]

It's been months since I practiced doing things in isolation and as time goes by, being anxious about different things has been growing slowly in me until now that I've felt the need to let someone know of my struggles. Maybe I'm just overstressing myself with this situation we have as I'm aware that there are other people in the world now who are having it worse than me.

A friend suggested that I should listen to delta waves on youtube to calm my mind, so far, it's doing well to keep me at peace while I listen.

[LuckyR]

Well I hadn't seen folks in a celebratory mood until vaccine appointments started getting made.

[Fellowmater]

My Mom asked me to do facetime with them this Christmas day, I hope my boss will let me take off early so I can catch up with them. I thought I could share this one that I’ve stumbled upon while I looked for articles that give advice on how to be resilient at work and life during this crisis. I hope that anyone who reads this will find some good advice too as I have. Merry Christmas. www (dot) cdc (dot) gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/mental-health-non-healthcare (dot)html

[Sy Borg]

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/commu ... hcare.html

[chewybrian]

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/commu ... hcare.html

Follow these tips to build resilience and manage job stress.
...
Identify those things which you do not have control over and do the best you can with the resources available to you.

Philosophy to the rescue!

[Sy Borg]

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/commu ... hcare.html

Follow these tips to build resilience and manage job stress.
...
Identify those things which you do not have control over and do the best you can with the resources available to you.

Philosophy to the rescue!

Marcus Aurelius similarly observed: "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength".

https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes ... s_Aurelius

[chewybrian]

Philosophy to the rescue!

Marcus Aurelius similarly observed: "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength".

https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes ... s_Aurelius

Nothing else I've read in my lifetime impacted me like these words:

Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions.

The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, belonging to others. Remember, then, that if you suppose that things which are slavish by nature are also free, and that what belongs to others is your own, then you will be hindered. You will lament, you will be disturbed, and you will find fault both with gods and men. But if you suppose that only to be your own which is your own, and what belongs to others such as it really is, then no one will ever compel you or restrain you. Further, you will find fault with no one or accuse no one. You will do nothing against your will. No one will hurt you, you will have no enemies, and you not be harmed.

Aiming therefore at such great things, remember that you must not allow yourself to be carried, even with a slight tendency, towards the attainment of lesser things. Instead, you must entirely quit some things and for the present postpone the rest. But if you would both have these great things, along with power and riches, then you will not gain even the latter, because you aim at the former too: but you will absolutely fail of the former, by which alone happiness and freedom are achieved.

Work, therefore to be able to say to every harsh appearance, "You are but an appearance, and not absolutely the thing you appear to be." And then examine it by those rules which you have, and first, and chiefly, by this: whether it concerns the things which are in our own control, or those which are not; and, if it concerns anything not in our control, be prepared to say that it is nothing to you.

http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

[fionaimmodest]

It's been months since I practiced doing things in isolation and as time goes by, being anxious about different things has been growing slowly in me until now that I've felt the need to let someone know of my struggles. Maybe I'm just overstressing myself with this situation we have as I'm aware that there are other people in the world now who are having it worse than me.

A friend suggested that I should listen to delta waves on youtube to calm my mind, so far, it's doing well to keep me at peace while I listen.

What works for you may be different from what works for others.
I focused on doing things I could control and recognize that are things that I cannot control.
Doing the recommended steps to help prevent contracting and passing on the COVID virus for me, my family, and others.
Staying in touch with family and friends much of which. Doing so on phone or video (e.g. Facetime) to catch up and also share how I am feeling (they have similar stresses usually). It helps me and it helps them to talk.
Eating and drinking healthy
Getting quality rest (harder when stressed)
Try and get some exercise even just a walk every day or two.
Do things that you enjoy that makes you feel good.
Stay informed about the pandemic and requests from reliable resources yet I am also careful to limit how much news I get whether about pandemic or politics. Note that most media do a bit to sensationalize which is not helpful.
I think stress should be expected yet if distress is experienced and advice such as above is inadequate then for sure talking with a therapist or counselor would be important. Most such visits can be done virtually and it's common for it to be several visits yet there is not a set limit depending on the individual's need. They are experts to help determine one's specific situation, concerns/stresses, and help map out a path to better cope and end up in a better place.

[Fellowmater]

[quote=chewybrian post_id=374809 time=1608933094 user_id=48287
Remember, then, that if you suppose that things which are slavish by nature are also free, and that what belongs to others is your own, then you will be hindered. You will lament, you will be disturbed, and you will find fault both with gods and men. But if you suppose that only to be your own which is your own, and what belongs to others such as it really is, then no one will ever compel you or restrain you. Further, you will find fault with no one or accuse no one. You will do nothing against your will. No one will hurt you, you will have no enemies, and you not be harmed.
[/quote]

It's being selfish that we mostly often found ourselves in conflict with others. Thank you for sharing this.

[fionaimmodest]

CDC does pack some advice from their articles. The link you shared had it all. Like it says in there “Remind yourself that everyone is in an unusual situation with limited resources.” Happy New Year!

[Papus79]

Incredibly lucky that I get to work from home, and likely will be working from home even after Covid dissipates. Still plenty of stress but I can take care of myself better, chop up my day as needed, etc..

[Theoryst]

In general, focusing on the good things present in your life, not the bad or missing, leads to feeling better and happier.
Sometimes it is very very difficult, to focus on the good things but when I do find myself getting bogged down I go outside for a walk or drive. I put some music on and try to get lost even if just for a short time. I am also a big list maker for both work and home, some list items are all business and some are fun for me, like changing the oil or getting the snowblower ready for the season. You’re not alone so I hope that at least gives you some solace.

[Fellowmater]

Thanks for the sound advice Theoryst. I really appreciate it.