Handy Phrases for Handling Stress and Pressure at Work
Have you ever wondered how you can manage stress and feel more in control while at work? The past-paced, high demand work environment can make it tough at the best of times – when you’re in a toxic workplace, it can seem almost impossible. When you feel yourself getting inundated and overwhelmed at work, it is probably time to respectfully assert yourself and set some limits to ensure stress and pressure on the job doesn’t get the best of you. With this in mind, here are a few good lines that can come in handy when it’s time for you to set some boundaries.
- “Let me think about that and get back to you.” Co-workers and supervisors often spring requests on you when they know you’re busy, hoping you’ll just agree to avoid a long, drawn-out discussion. This phrase puts the brakes on the conversation so you don’t get trapped into making a snap decision. It buys you some time to thoroughly consider what it is your co-worker wants, while also giving you time to think about how you want to respond to the request when you’re not preoccupied and under pressure.
- Let’s figure out what the priorities are.” There is so many small details and distractions in the workplace that we often get buried in them, losing sight of the big picture and overall meaning behind our work. Learn to refocus conversations by bringing priorities to the light. This can help to keep discussions on track and in the present, while also keeping tasks organized to reduce stress.
- “We should consult an expert on this.” While this isn’t possible in every circumstance, sometimes it is necessary to draw upon the expertise of an outside professional or higher-up in the company. This temporarily takes some pressure off you to make a decision but also takes your co-workers through the process of considering different perspectives behind decision making. An outsider can ultimately propose creative solutions and assist to resolve conflict when discussions between staff members have reached an impasse
- “I’m sorry, but I can’t commit to that right now. Here’s what I am willing to do.” Basically, this is a polite way of saying “no.” Many people are fearful of saying no to their co-workers and supervisors because they are afraid it will reflect poorly on their work ethic. However, our work lives involve a constant balance of doing what is right for us as an individual and what is right for the team and/or the organization. While it will not be in your best interests to say no all the time, it is important to emphasize the tasks you are able to perform and can have delgated to you. At the end of the day, it is important to be honest and say you can’t do something rather than over committing yourself, agreeing to something, and then not following through.
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