Some level of workplace stress is good as it helps to motivate as well as to propel you to achieve more and in so doing increases your productivity.  However, excessive level of stress can have the counter-productive effect as you might not be functioning at an optimal level.  On a long term basis, excessive level of workplace stress can have its negative bearing on both your physical as well as mental well being.

 What are the typical warning signs of too much stress at work?

When a person is overcome by stress, he will typically be irritable and withdrawn.  His "anger button" is easily pushed and he might subject himself to tantrums as well as verbal shouting match.  Some warning signs include:

• Having sleep problems
• Feeling anxious and depressed
• Bitterness towards work
• Feeling tense in the muscles, such as around the neck, forehead
• Withdrawn
• Difficulty in concentrating

 Causes for work-related stress

Common causes for this type of stress include:

• Too much workload

The person might have more than his fair share of workload.  This can result in the feeling of helplessness as well as overworked.  Things might seem to be out of control.

• Fear of layoff

The fear of layoff might be so great that this has let him to feel excessive amount of stress.  This fear, warranted or unwarranted, would hinder his ability to perform his work function.

• Rising expectations from boss

The boss might raise the performance expectations of the employee to the extent that it is more than the ability of the person to handle.

• Different style of performing task

You might have different style and approach in performing a given task as compared to the working style of your boss.  This could lead to frictions and relationship issues.

 Tips for reducing workplace stress

You can start in reducing the stress that you are feeling at work by learning and put into practice the following tips:

• Getting enough sleep

Attempt for a seven to eight hours of night's sleep.  By being properly rested, you will feel more energized and less tired in the morning.  

• Perform enriching ritual

Try to find a daily enriching ritual to start the day with.  This can be in the form of meditation practice, prayers or even morning fitness routine.  It is recommended that the rituals to include physical fitness as exercise can help you in increasing your immune system as well as in alleviating stress.   

• Do not overcommit

This involves the recognition that there is only so much things that you can do within a day.  Stop creating unnecessary stress for yourself by putting piles of  "have-to-do" lists on your plate.  Minimize the perfectionist tendency that you have to finish everything on your plate at one go.  

• Prioritize

If you have many things in your plate, try to prioritize.  Start by performing those tasks that are urgent and important and leaving the less urgent task later.  

• Develop and maintain good working relationships at all levels

You can reduce unnecessary stress by having a good working relationship with your colleagues.  Try to confront and solve any conflicts that you might have with your co-workers immediately.  Do not let things simmer and fester.

• Do not attempt to control the uncontrollable

There are many things that are uncontrollable in life such as how people react to the effort that you put in.  Instead of worrying over people's reaction, why not put in your best effort to work and stay positive.