How can you cope with stress when starting a new job?

1 Identify your stressors

The first step to coping with stress is to identify what triggers it. Stressors can be internal, such as your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, or external, such as deadlines, demands, and feedback. By recognizing what causes you stress, you can better understand how it affects you and what you can do to manage it. You can use a journal, a tracker app, or a simple list to record your stressors and how you react to them.

2 Plan ahead

The second step to coping with stress is to plan ahead and prepare for the challenges you may face. You can do this by setting realistic goals, prioritizing your tasks, creating a schedule, and organizing your resources. You can also research the company culture, the expectations of your role, and the best ways to communicate with your colleagues and managers. By planning ahead, you can reduce uncertainty, avoid procrastination, and increase your confidence.

3 Seek support

The third step to coping with stress is to seek support from others who can help you cope. You can do this by building positive relationships with your co-workers, mentors, and friends. You can also join a support group, a network, or a community of people who share your interests, values, or goals. By seeking support, you can gain feedback, advice, encouragement, and empathy.

4 Practice self-care

The fourth step to coping with stress is to practice self-care and take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You can do this by eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, and relaxing your body and mind. You can also engage in hobbies, activities, and passions that bring you joy, fulfillment, and meaning. By practicing self-care, you can boost your energy, mood, and resilience.

5 Learn from feedback

The fifth step to coping with stress is to learn from feedback and use it to improve your skills, knowledge, and performance. You can do this by asking for constructive feedback, listening to it with an open mind, and applying it to your work. You can also give yourself feedback, by acknowledging your strengths, celebrating your achievements, and identifying your areas of improvement. By learning from feedback, you can grow from your mistakes, overcome your challenges, and achieve your goals.

6 Adjust your mindset

The sixth and final step to coping with stress is to adjust your mindset and adopt a positive and realistic attitude. You can do this by reframing your negative thoughts, focusing on the opportunities, and expressing gratitude for what you have. You can also practice affirmations, visualization, and mindfulness to enhance your self-esteem, motivation, and awareness. By adjusting your mindset, you can reduce your anxiety, increase your optimism, and enjoy your new job.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?