Tips for Managing Your Mental Health If You Work in a Highly Competitive Industry
“Highly competitive” is in the eye of the beholder. In some neighborhoods, for example, owning a grocery store can get cutthroat. But, in general, the corporate world sets the bar pretty high when it comes to pressure. Working on a daily basis to stay one step of your rivals — in and out of your own workplace — can be exhausting.
Sure, many of those who toil in a highly competitive industry reap financial rewards. However, there often is a price to pay. Chronic stress can result in mental health issues ranging from burnout to depression and beyond. Left unchecked, your work life can take quite a toll on you.
Job-Related Competition and Stress: Some Facts, Figures, and Impacts
Employees are about three times more likely to leave their chosen careers due to stress
Three out of four US workers report that work-related stress carries over to impact their personal lives and one million per day report feeling stress on the job
A 2019 survey found that nearly 50 percent cite stress as the cause of them being “checked out” at work
The above sampling only touches on a widespread issue. Working in a presser-cooker field has been found to cause employees on all levels to become less productive. It also leads to symptoms like:
Anxiety
Chest pain
Irritability
High blood pressure
Fatigue
Headaches
Heart disease
Realities like this don’t fix themselves.
Tips for Managing Your Mental Health If You Work in a Highly Competitive Industry
We’ll break these suggestions into two broad categories:
Break the Stigma
In the working world, you can be viewed as “weak” if you don’t drive yourself to unhealthy levels. This trend will change when enough people break the stigma, e.g.:
Set Boundaries
It’s not easy to set boundaries when you feel your rivals never take a minute off. But without limits in your life, none of this matters. Talk to management about how many hours you can work, your availability during non-work hours, etc.
Take Breaks
Don’t buy the myth that productivity is tied to activity. Your mind and body need to rest in order for you to operate at peak efficiency while remaining healthy. Ideally, take breaks that get you away from work and get you moving — preferably outdoors!
Take Vacations
Again, true success lies in having balance. Working 365 days a year is never the goal. So, use those vacation days and use them well.
Practice Diligent Self-Care
Here are a few fundamental elements for any daily self-care regimen:
Relaxation techniques: This includes mindful meditation, yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises, and more
Daily exercises and physical activity: Preferably outside as much as possible
Healthy eating choices: Smart decisions when it comes to what you eat and drink (e.g. choose whole foods and stay hydrated) have been found to alleviate stress
Do not isolate yourself or socially withdraw: Not every meeting has to be related to networking so carve out space in your calendar for positive social interactions
Balance Is the Key
Wherever you are in life, balance is a worthy goal. If you find it increasingly difficult to make this happen on a daily basis, we should talk. Yes, of course, your work feels important, and earning money is a necessity. But none of this matters if you do not take care of your mental well-being.
Working with a therapist is an ideal way to uncover the root causes of your choices. Why do you push yourself? Is competitiveness working for you? How can you find a healthy mix of work and play? Let’s connect soon to discuss these and other questions in work stress therapy.