How to Remain Calm Under Pressure in the Workplace

Pressure is inevitable in any workplace, whether it comes from deadlines, clients, colleagues, or bosses. However, how you handle pressure can make a big difference in your performance, productivity, and well-being. Here are some tips on how to remain calm under pressure in the workplace:

## 1. Eliminate stressful thoughts

The power of positive thinking is real. When you face a challenging situation, try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. For example, instead of thinking "I can't do this", think "I can do this if I try my best". Positive thoughts can help you boost your confidence, motivation, and resilience.

## 2. Avoid negative people

Do your best to avoid those that drain your energy and put out bad vibes. Negative people can make you feel more stressed and anxious, especially if they criticize, complain, or gossip. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can help you cope with pressure and encourage you.

## 3. Focus on one thing at a time

Once you are in a positive frame of mind, focus on the task at hand. Resist the urge to worry about the next thing on your to-do list and focus on what you are doing in the present moment. Going back and forth between tasks can take up more time and limit your focus. By concentrating on one thing at a time, you can be more efficient and effective.

## 4. Break big problems down into smaller chunks

Sometimes, pressure can come from feeling overwhelmed by a big or complex problem. To make it more manageable, break it down into smaller and simpler steps. For example, if you have a large project to complete, divide it into smaller tasks with clear deadlines and milestones. This way, you can tackle each task one by one and track your progress.

## 5. Organize your priorities

Staying organized at work is a great way to stay calm under pressure. Creating to-do lists to uncover the most pressing tasks and devising an organized way to tackle your responsibilities so you don’t get overwhelmed. By being realistic about what you have to accomplish in a day, you can make your workflow more manageable. Organizing your priorities also gives you the opportunity to adjust your timelines or recruit help if you feel like your schedule is full.

## 6. Practice healthy habits

Living a healthy lifestyle can help you calm your stress levels and stay focused throughout the workday. By showing up to work well-rested, you may have additional energy to take on more challenging tasks. Likewise, eating healthy meals throughout the day gives your body the stamina it needs to get your tasks done. Exercise can also help you beat feelings of stress since it helps your body release endorphins that promote positive feelings.

## 7. Know your threshold

Humans are a psychologically diverse species. One of the traits that make each of us unique is our propensity to deal with stress. Some call this emotional intelligence, others call it grit or resilience. Regardless of your individual personality, the first step to managing high-pressure situations is understanding your stress tolerance level. Practical tips for building self-awareness include getting feedback from trusted colleagues and friends, evaluating your performance under different degrees of pressure, paying attention to your emotional reactions in potentially triggering situations, and taking a personality assessment.

## 8. Learn from your mistakes

No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes at some point in their career. However, instead of dwelling on your errors or blaming yourself or others, try to learn from them and move on. Mistakes are opportunities for growth and improvement if you take them as feedback and not as failure. By adopting a growth mindset, you can become more resilient and adaptable under pressure.

## 9. Seek help when needed

Sometimes, the best way to deal with pressure is to ask for help. Whether it's from your manager, co-worker, mentor, or friend, seeking help can reduce your stress and improve your performance. You don't have to do everything by yourself or suffer in silence. Asking for help shows that you are proactive, humble, and willing to learn. It also allows you to build stronger relationships with others who can support you.

By following these tips, you can remain calm under pressure in the workplace and handle any challenges that come your way.