Background constant work stress

[youlookradishing]

Work is usually on my mind… well, not in my thoughts exactly, but as a low-level background emotional heaviness that’s there most of the time. I suppose it’s stress. I can tune out and distract myself from it for a while, but it always comes back when I remember that work exists.

The thing is, I don’t hate my work. It’s fine, I don’t mind it, it’s not easy or straightforward but I am broadly capable of it and it pays well, and it isn’t really classically ‘stressful’ - if I told you about my day it wouldn’t sound very stressful. And yet, I think I am stressed about it anyway? Even on the calm days, and I just can’t put my finger on why. I just AM.

Anyone else recognise this and tackle it successfully?

I recognise this. Haven’t been able to tackle it yet so look forward to hearing responses. Once I’m at work I am fine and I enjoy what I do, and speaking to my colleagues. It’s the thought of it which I don’t like. I have early starts which are killing me to be honest

I recognise it and to be honest, I’ve not really tackled it. I think it’s just part and parcel of my role, and I get well paid for that reason.

I get you OP - I dream about work and they do not pay me enough for that.

I think it's part and parcel of a lot of modern workplaces. I now work for myself after being made redundant and that's what solved it for me. I can choose what I take on and do work that I truly enjoy.

It does bring a different sort of stress but overall I'm finding it much better. DH has a good steady income though - I would find it more stressful if this wasn't the case.