Lowering work stress levels -how?

[Ilikebeaver]

I am 27 and have worked in the construction industry (mainly joinery) since finishing A levels.

I appear very calm under pressure, but underneath all I can think of is that its not worth it as I get home frazzled.

How can I reduce stress levels without quitting work completely?

I could take a pay cut to around £20k, and work in a different industry, but wouldn't have any official qualifications.

Am I wrong in thinking that £20k jobs would be any less stressful/pressured?

[sunoco69]

Any job can be stressful and it is not linked to wage, with some obvious exceptions.

Would you be happier stacking shelves in Tescos or just bored after 4 weeks?

[Ilikebeaver]

I would probably be quite happy woth shelf stacking apart from working shift patterns and Saturdays!

[Exwife]

Apparently, the most stressful situation to be in, work or personal, is one you have no control over.

As a joiner, if you're 'frazzled' at the end of the day, your employer is asking too much of you, or you are not able to keep upto the expected standard.

Are there other workers there, feeling the same as you?

Is a 'joiner' the same as a carpenter?

There are probably very good employers out there in your industry looking for skilled workers.

Also, if you're good at making stuff (any stuff) in this economy you are onto a winner. Try making some 'stuff' in your spare time, and see if you can sell it.

[sunoco69]

Exwife said:

Try making some 'stuff' in your spare time, and see if you can sell it.

I make a lot of wind each day, know of any customers?

[The Beaver King]

Ilikebeaver said:

I am 27 and have worked in the construction industry (mainly joinery) since finishing A levels.

I appear very calm under pressure, but underneath all I can think of is that its not worth it as I get home frazzled.

How can I reduce stress levels without quitting work completely?

I could take a pay cut to around £20k, and work in a different industry, but wouldn't have any official qualifications.

Am I wrong in thinking that £20k jobs would be any less stressful/pressured?

Oh little beaver, let The Beaver King help you out.

Stress is generally a personality thing foremost. Some people are susceptible to it, others can cope with it. Funnily enough, we are approximately the same age and in the same industry (I'm M&E Estimating in Construction).

Firstly you need to identify the main cause of the stress. Is it to do with the quantity of work, the responsibility, a demanding boss etc? You need to work out which area is the main culprit.

Once you've highlighted the cause, you then need to look at a solution or coping method. If it's to do with a demanding boss or workload, then it may just require a casual chat to a senior manager to express the problems you are having. Most bosses are quite accommodating when approached on a 'one to one' basis.

If this is not possible, then you need to look at how you deal with the stress. Personally, I get a lot of pressure put on me at work. I cope by taking constant notes (so I don't forget things when I'm pulled from pillar to post), I use my drive home to wind down (either relaxing music or no music and lots of thinking), I delegate out smaller tasks so I can focus in on the important ones, I do a lot of kickboxing to let off steam and I have a cup of tea and 20 minutes to myself when I get home to shut off from work.

All of this means that by about 6pm, I've switched off from work mode. A lot is to do with your personality as well, if things get really hectic at work and I'm not dealing with it very well, I make a coffee, stand outside for 10 minutes and just mull things over. Sometimes that 10 minutes outside of the chaos really helps.

Obviously there are limits to how much stress people can take, even with the above methods. I'd revert back to a chat with the boss in that case.

HTH

[Hoofy]

Also, if you can't change anything due to the nature of the work environment or industry then consider de-stressing activities in your spare time, whether it's tai chi, art classes or muay thai.

[The Beaver King]

Hoofy said:

Also, if you can't change anything due to the nature of the work environment or industry then consider de-stressing activities in your spare time, whether it's tai chi, art classes or muay thai.

Definitely this.

Never underestimate the stress relief you can get from smacking the crap out of something. Kickboxing has improved my life greatly as a form of exercise and a way to let out some of that pent up stress.

[Hoofy]

And now for a brief meditation guide.
1) Put on some relaxing music
2) Take a few slow, deep breaths
2) Visualise a stream trickling through a peaceful forest
3) Imagine the wind rustling through the trees
4) Listen to the water as it trickles downstream
5) Now look at the water
6) Notice the reflection of the trees on the surface
7) Notice your boss's face looking up at you as you hold down his head with your hands

Feeling better?

[Jasandjules]

What is it that causes you to feel stressed? Workload, quality, the hours?

[Ilikebeaver]

The Beaver King said:

Ilikebeaver said:

I am 27 and have worked in the construction industry (mainly joinery) since finishing A levels.

I appear very calm under pressure, but underneath all I can think of is that its not worth it as I get home frazzled.

How can I reduce stress levels without quitting work completely?

I could take a pay cut to around £20k, and work in a different industry, but wouldn't have any official qualifications.

Am I wrong in thinking that £20k jobs would be any less stressful/pressured?

Oh little beaver, let The Beaver King help you out.

Stress is generally a personality thing foremost. Some people are susceptible to it, others can cope with it. Funnily enough, we are approximately the same age and in the same industry (I'm M&E Estimating in Construction).

Firstly you need to identify the main cause of the stress. Is it to do with the quantity of work, the responsibility, a demanding boss etc? You need to work out which area is the main culprit.

Once you've highlighted the cause, you then need to look at a solution or coping method. If it's to do with a demanding boss or workload, then it may just require a casual chat to a senior manager to express the problems you are having. Most bosses are quite accommodating when approached on a 'one to one' basis.

If this is not possible, then you need to look at how you deal with the stress. Personally, I get a lot of pressure put on me at work. I cope by taking constant notes (so I don't forget things when I'm pulled from pillar to post), I use my drive home to wind down (either relaxing music or no music and lots of thinking), I delegate out smaller tasks so I can focus in on the important ones, I do a lot of kickboxing to let off steam and I have a cup of tea and 20 minutes to myself when I get home to shut off from work.

All of this means that by about 6pm, I've switched off from work mode. A lot is to do with your personality as well, if things get really hectic at work and I'm not dealing with it very well, I make a coffee, stand outside for 10 minutes and just mull things over. Sometimes that 10 minutes outside of the chaos really helps.

Obviously there are limits to how much stress people can take, even with the above methods. I'd revert back to a chat with the boss in that case.

HTH

Thanks so much. Just reading this helped to cheer me up.

My MD actually asked how I was the next day and explained that as much as I seem calm and good at coping under pressure, that inside I sometimes want to scream.

She was surprised, as I come across proffessional and calm no matter what's going on.

Anyway by the end of the week my workload has been reduced, which gives me the chance to concentrate and excel at what I really should be doing.

I'm now enjoying a relaxing stress free weekend.