Cracking the Work Stress Code

With everything going on in our daily lives, work stress can sometimes become an unwanted friend. Smart Family Magazine presents insight into workplace stress and strategies for mitigating it. speaking with psychologist Rojisha Shahi.

the importance of mindfulness, effective communication, and a healthy work-life balance. She also stresses the need to have open discussions about mental health and foster a positive work atmosphere.

 

1. How do you identify signs of workplace stress and burnout in your clients?

Anxiety, panic attacks, and decreased motivation are characteristics of workplace burnout. It frequently arises from long-term stress and heavy workloads, leaving one feeling worn out and overburdened. In extreme circumstances, physical symptoms of occupational burnout may include reduced immune systems, headaches, and sleeplessness. The psychological and physical well-being of an individual might be adversely affected by workplace burnout.

 

2. What are some common triggers for workplace stress and burnout that you often come across in your practice?

Long work hours are a typical issue that can lead to stress and burnout. Lack of self-care time, unpleasant managers or coworkers, and a hostile work environment are other prevalent culprits. Stress and burnout can result from any of these factors. High job demands and exaggerated expectations put on workers are other common causes of workplace stress and burnout. Furthermore, feelings of tiredness and overload may be exacerbated by a lack of autonomy or control in decision-making processes.

 

3. What therapeutic approaches have you found effective in helping clients cope with workplace stress and burnout?

One is cognitive behavior therapy, which is typically used to address any problems you may be having at work or personally, as well as how you view your work. CBT is very helpful in this regard. The next step is to make a change in your lifestyle. Unhealthy lifestyle choices frequently result in work stress, so it's important to address the holistic approach. By incorporating healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, you can significantly reduce work stress. Additionally, seeking support from friends, and family, or joining support groups can provide a valuable outlet for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.

 

4. Are there specific mindfulness or resilience-building exercises that you recommend for preventing workplace-related mental health issues?

Many people come to me with questions about resilience and how to build it. The key is to step outside of your comfort zone, which is something that most of us do when we work because we usually hang out with the same people and do the same things. This can lead to a very comfortable environment. However, when discussing resilience, you should push yourself to take on new challenges and step outside of your comfort zone. Additionally, if your work hours are lengthy, you should take short breaks, perform a few workouts and exercises, and meditate frequently to enhance your awareness.

 

5. Can you share practical tips for setting boundaries and maintaining self-care practices in a demanding work environment?

As members of Nepalese society, we lack boundaries and were never taught any because we live in a collective society. This causes both youth and adults to struggle with saying no because they find it awkward and shy to refuse requests, and they readily comply with requests without question. Setting boundaries is a lengthy process; there is no such thing as a single, easy step. However, I want to convey to everyone dealing with this problem that being self-aware and setting boundaries does not equate to being selfish. If you think that way, let me assure you that this is not the case, and having boundaries is essential.

 

6. What advice do you give to clients on advocating for mental health support within their workplace?

Every firm should take note of the fact that worker productivity and mental wellness are closely intertwined. After the COVID-19 epidemic, mental health initiatives—such as those that offer employee support programs and workplace stress management—started out well. Giving your workers a voice can help people feel more comfortable because there are still many stigmas and false beliefs around mental health. The most important thing is to have a talk about mental health, to eliminate any stigmas, and to create an atmosphere that is safe, productive, and supportive for everyone—especially in Nepal.

 

7. From your perspective, what trends or challenges do you foresee in the realm of workplace mental health, and how can individuals and organizations prepare for them?

One of the difficulties in Nepal is adjusting to a new lifestyle and setting boundaries. Organizations that adopt a holistic approach, emphasizing that work is a part of life rather than life itself, can prioritize mental health not just temporarily but permanently. By recognizing the importance of work-life balance, these organizations can promote employee well-being and reduce burnout. This approach allows individuals to establish healthy boundaries between their personal and professional lives, leading to increased productivity and overall satisfaction in both areas.

 

Message: We are told to share, but sometimes we share with the wrong person, which backfires with judgment and everything else. If you are having problems, please talk about them, but with the person who is right for you. Therefore, if you are having problems and are unable to resolve them on your own, or if you are finding it difficult to balance your work and personal lives, identify the trigger or challenging aspect of your situation, discuss it with someone, and seek the assistance of mental health specialists to find a solution.