Although it’s not uncommon to feel nervous ahead of a significant event at work, when these feelings spill over, causing sleepless nights, restlessness and fear, an anxiety disorder can soon start to take over.
In events such as these, an anxiety disorder can have a significant impact, and can even lead to people taking sick days, missing deadlines or even quitting their job.
When it comes to coping with anxiety at work, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do – a factor which may even exacerbate the issue further.
However, one factor that might make things a little simpler is being able to spot the tell-tale signs before they develop further.
If you’ve experienced some of the symptoms listed below, consult your GP and book an appointment as soon as possible, or you can speak to a fully trained consultant in confidence at Health Assured the Employee Assistance Program we’ve signed everyone up to, they have a free phone number and are available to speak to 24/7. They are independent from Prospero and will not share any information about individuals or conversations with anyone at Prospero. And remember this facility is available to your immediate family members too. For more information you can have a look at their website www.healthassuredeap.com.
- Restlessness
- A sense of dread
- Feeling irritable or constantly on edge
- Lack of concentration
- Excessive sweating
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Headaches and feeling sick
- A noticeably strong or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty sleeping
Seeking professional help will provide you with everything you need to move forward both at home and at work.
As anyone suffering with anxiety will tell you, coping with anxiety at work can often feel like a daunting task. Here is a list of helpful tips for those suffering with the disorder. Take a look at some of the handy hints below.
Time out
When things begin to get a bit much and you start to experience one or more of the symptoms listed above, try leaving your desk, workstation or wherever it is you’re working and go for a short break.
Even if it means you’re only away for five minutes while you make a cup of tea, stepping away from a particular task will offer perspective as well as an opportunity to calm down.
Breathe
Fast heartbeats, excessive sweating and sickness can all be symptoms of a panic attack, caused by anxiety. When this happens, concentrate on your breathing and remain still.
You could even close your eyes – find a quiet place within your workspace, just to make sure you’re not distracted by incoming emails or phone calls.
Back to basics
When it comes to managing anxiety in the workplace, you might just find that it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference.
With this in mind, the next time you find yourself struggling to cope with an anxiety disorder, revert back to basics and try some of the tips listed below:
Eat well: skipping meals only exacerbates the issue, as does eating unhealthily. Try to enjoy a balanced, consistent diet – and make a conscious effort to stick to set mealtimes, even if it means stepping away from your desk before a certain task is complete.
Talk: staying in touch with a friend, relative or loved one is a great solution for anyone suffering with anxiety. Not only does it provide an outlet to talk about your illness, it can also act as a welcome distraction from the things causing you to worry.
Exercise: just as eating healthily is important, exercise can be equally, if not more so, beneficial. Try joining a gym or maintaining a routine of jogging on an evening.
Distractions: if work is causing you to feel anxious or stressed at home, try distracting yourself with a new hobby to get stuck into. From crafts to photography, the options are endless.
It’s out of your hands: sometimes, simply accepting you cannot control everything can relieve you of a certain worry. Remember, 99% of the time it won’t be as bad as you think, so make a conscious effort to think rationally the next time you see yourself spiralling out of control.
Emotional health less of an issue for you at the moment but you’re concerned with avoiding the bugs currently doing the rounds? You can get our top tips here on how to avoid the seasonal flu.