How to leave work stress at work

[overthinkersanonnymus]

I'm looking for some tips on how to not be so consumed by the stress and worry of my job.

Full disclosure, I'm a worrier and I do have an anxiety disorder, so sometimes my thoughts can be clouded.

I work in regulated financial services and my advice can impact my clients. I feel a huge responsibility towards my clients and a do a lot of second guessing, not trusting my own recommendations etc, due to self doubt. This then trickles in to guilt and worry and then that turns in to stress.

My job is not even that much of a big deal!

I don't really know what I'm expecting from this thread. Maybe just to know I'm not the only one who's unable to leave work worry at work.

What strategies do you use for your anxiety disorder?

There are suggestions on stress here although it sounds more like it's anxiety that's spilling over into work:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/managing-stress-and-building-resilience/

I found it very difficult. I was a teacher and the home lives of some of the kids were hard, the pressure from senior management was also insane.

I got drugs.

And a different job.

I always need a bit of a commute (20-30 minutes drive) to put some space between work & home life.

I sometimes listen to loud music & sing along or I listen to podcast.

(I have different playlists for different moods!)

I'm already on the drugs @Octavia64 new job is probably not something I can do right now.

I think I need to go in to the office a bit more for that commute @Ylvamoon

@user1846385927482658 thank you for the link

Blluurrgggghh it's always on a Friday when something goes tits up and then consumes the weekend!

Presumably there's absolutely nothing you can do until Monday, so mentally construct a box or a cage and lock those demons in it. Create the image in your mind so it feels real.

Mentally picturing them locked away in as much detail as you can might help. Each time they escape and start niggling you, picture yourself shutting them back in their box/cage for the weekend. You have that power.

It helps me anyway.

And do at least one thing every day just because it makes you feel good. Even if it's just rewatching your favourite film or a crochet project or Lego or whatever you enjoy.

Being nice to yourself has the same effect on your central nervous system as if someone else was nice to you. Likewise beating yourself up has the same effect as if someone else beat you up. So that's a lot of power at your disposal. Use it for good.

Thank you @user1846385927482658 that's actually really helpful!

What do you do for a living? Are you a therapist 😂

Other things I did

Started swimming
Got a cat. Actually I have three now and it certainly takes your mind off work stuff when you are trying to cat proof the kitchen.

Allow myself a time to worry - I'm going to worry about that tomorrow at 10am. I do usually actually worry about it then, but sometimes that is productive.

Get counseling and explore boundaries

I have the same issue but it is worst at night, I have to go to sleep listening to podcasts and have them ready to play in the night to distract me from the more intrusive thoughts. I'm not sure if you have issues in the night but that was the only way I have found to manage that aspect.

Endorphins. Do some exercise, or sing very loudly. I sing on the way to work every day as stress prevention.

Leave it at work on Friday, forget about at 5pm on a Friday afternoon!

Plan something for a Fri evening so you have no time to think about the stressful event. Keep busy fri evening and you will feel relaxed and much better by Saturday morning.

We don't get paid to worry and be stressed on a weekend but that is so much easier said than done!