Author: Dr. Yemi Lekuti
When was the last time you were content with going to work? When did you not feel angst, pressure, irritation, or dread as you were on your way? Although countless studies have examined work-related anxiety, burnout and stress it is interesting how our work culture has ignored the impact of these factors on employees. How effective is PTO when the larger system pushes for increased productivity and performance? How impactful are self-care days when most of us are consciously thinking about deadlines? Some people report work-related headaches, anxiety, sleeping more, not wanting to get up, heart palpitations, heart racing, panic attacks, sadness, hopelessness, or being quick to anger. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, but you may notice that many of these symptoms overlap with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
I came across two hilarious Instagram accounts (@loewhaley and @iamdrebrown) that create content about how to address bosses or coworkers with no boundaries. If there is one thing the new generation wants us to know, it is that they are not ‘lazy’; it is that they have drawn a thick line in the sand to stop being taken advantage of at work. While this may turn some people off, there is a lesson in their attitude that some of us may be able to learn from: consider both monetary and mental health costs when making work-related decisions. Even with this lesson, the answers are not always easy, but here are a few things to consider.
Advocating for your needs
What is advocating for your needs? For some, it may mean prioritizing lunch breaks solely for lunch, instead of eating and working simultaneously. For others, it may mean using their PTO or vacation hours periodically, instead of waiting till the end of the year. There are many different ways to advocate for your needs, however, the principle remains the same: Speak up! Advocate for yourself.
The B-word: Boundaries
Setting boundaries is a common practice when you are in a relationship with someone, so how do you set boundaries with your company or boss? Boundaries are set based on how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. If you like to please others, like when others need you, or your identity is blended in with how coworkers may see you, you might be more likely to let others cross your boundaries to maintain those beliefs. Conversely, let’s say you have developed good boundaries; you recognize when you need to rest; you are not willing to miss your child’s Cat-in-the-Hat play; you are more likely to speak up about what your values are and say ‘no’ to last-minute meetings or ‘urgent’ requests. These boundaries may help to reduce anxiety, burnout and work-related stress.
The Bottom Line
Advocating for your needs and setting boundaries are complex concepts to implement because people do not want to be seen as “difficult” or “not hardworking,” and in some cases, these suggestions may not be feasible to implement at your current job. With the help of a therapist, you can begin to understand and challenge belief systems that create anxiety, burnout and stress. How much longer can you put your health at risk? Reach out and get help today!
