Work stress
🟢 Evidence-based🔵 Wellness practice
What it means
Work can give purpose, income and friendships. Heavy workloads, unclear roles, long hours, job insecurity or poor treatment can also wear people down.
Common experiences
Dreading the start of the week, thinking about work late at night, feeling tense or irritable, skipping meals or breaks, trouble switching off.
What may help
Clear priorities, short breaks, realistic deadlines agreed with your manager, a set finishing time, time with family and friends, and asking for support early. Organisations also play a part: fair workloads and respectful workplaces protect mental health.
A small practice
At the end of your working day, write three lines: what I finished, what is waiting for tomorrow, and one thing I did well. Then close the notebook and do one thing that signals “work is over”, such as a walk or a shower.
When to seek professional help
If work stress affects your sleep, health or relationships for weeks, if you feel unable to cope, or if you face bullying or harassment at work. Speak to a doctor or counsellor, and use your workplace’s grievance or welfare channels where they exist.