My Constant Companion - Anxiety

When you see me stomping down Lambton Quay in high heels and red/pink lippy I imagine that no-one would have any idea that I have crippling anxiety. People have said to me, "anxiety is looking back and I should stop doing this". I wish it were that easy.

It seems that the current situation in Wellington with so much uncertainty is affecting more and more people. The expectations that you should be lucky to have a job and also cover for the 3 or 4 people they have let go or have not filled the jobs is concerning. Contractors being seen as the enemy and work being piled on them, this is not sustainable and is causing burnout.

Anxiety is a common issue that many of us face, especially in the high-pressure environment of the workplace. It’s more than just feeling stressed; anxiety can significantly affect not only your personal well-being but also your overall work performance and team dynamics. Understanding anxiety and its implications is the first step toward finding effective strategies to manage it.

I am no therapist but I have a few things that I do that help me deal with my constant companion and would like to share them to see if it help others.

Understanding Anxiety in the Workplace

Anxiety manifests in various ways. Common symptoms include excessive worrying, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and even physical symptoms like fatigue or tension headaches. Research shows that anxiety affects millions of workers globally, impacting their ability to perform at their best. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial—not just for those experiencing anxiety, but also for colleagues and managers who can provide support.

Strategies for Managing Anxiety at Work

1. Open Communication: Reach out and talk about it, this often helps with perspective and also others maybe feeling the same, we need to lose the outdated stigma related with mental health. Your organisation may have EAP that you can tap into, its not just counselling, they offer things like how to budget which at this time is also stressful.
2. Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises: Simple techniques, like deep breathing or short mindfulness breaks, can help ground you during stressful moments. Taking just a few minutes to focus on your breath can make a significant difference. I have found that splashing my face with cold water also helps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmt1Znux58
3. Time Management: Break your tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Creating a checklist can help reduce feeling overwhelmed and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each item. Eddie Rakanui ? alerted me to this tool which I have found helpful - https://pomofocus.io/
4. Creating a Supportive Work Environment: Foster a culture of understanding and support among work colleagues. Small gestures, like checking in on one another or offering encouragement, can create a more positive atmosphere. If someone who is normally outgoing suddenly starts being quiet or is missing work regularly can also be a sign, check in and ask "are you ok"
5. Creating Boundaries: If you are a people person/pleaser we can often take on too much and spread yourself thin. It is okay to say NO sometimes. Being an extrovert meant in my younger years I wanted to be around people all the time, now I love being at home with my cat (cat lady) and watching docos and unwinding, put your phone down and be in the moment. Doom scrolling is the enemy.

Conclusion

Experiencing anxiety is more common than many realise, and acknowledging it is a significant step toward improvement. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous move toward enhancing your well-being and work performance. By taking small, actionable steps, you can manage anxiety and create a healthier, more productive work life.

I am always here for a chat or coffee :) [email protected]