How to handle work stress — in the moment
Moves for when the job's grinding you down, right now.
Pressure's peaked, you're fried, and you're close to snapping or walking out.
— Right now
- Step away for five — bathroom, outside, a lap of the building. Don't decide anything hot.
- Long exhales. Get out of fight mode before you speak or send.
- Deal with the next single task, not the whole impossible pile.
— Don't
- Don't fire off the resignation or the spicy email mid-meltdown.
— Later
- If you're at breaking point often, that's a sign to talk to your GP, not tough it out.
Pressure's peaked, you're fried, and you're close to snapping or walking out.
— Right now
- Step away for five — bathroom, outside, a lap of the building. Don't decide anything hot.
- Long exhales. Get out of fight mode before you speak or send.
- Deal with the next single task, not the whole impossible pile.
— Don't
- Don't fire off the resignation or the spicy email mid-meltdown.
— Later
- If you're at breaking point often, that's a sign to talk to your GP, not tough it out.
Work stress: the short version
- 1.About to snap? Step away five. Don't send hot.
- 2.Sunday dread? Plan Monday's first hour.
- 3.Burnt out? Basics, take your leave, don't grind.
- 4.Bad boss? Keep a record; it's not a verdict on you.
- 5.Often at breaking point? See your GP.
Doing it tough?Call Lifeline 13 11 14