How To Overcome Performance Anxiety at Work: Like A Boss

Let's talk about the not-so-fun side of the workplace - stress and job performance anxiety.

We've all been there, right? It's that debilitating moment when you're overwhelmed by your responsibilities and feel like you're failing in your role.

If we don't address this intense fear and manage anxiety it can totally mess with our productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction... often leading to a toxic work environment.

So, in this blog post, we're going to spill the beans on some strategies to tackle performance anxiety at work.

We'll cover everything from effective planning (because who doesn't love a good to-do list?) to asking for help (yes, it's okay to admit you can't do everything on your own).

Plus, we'll throw in some exercise and mindfulness tips because, let's face it, we all need a little zen in our lives.

Get ready to learn some practical tips and tools so you can leave stress in the parking lot and boost your productivity like a boss.

Having anxiety at work sucks. Let's make it suck less.

What is Workplace Anxiety?: The Rundown

Workplace anxiety is the stress and worry that comes from your job and affects your ability to work effectively. This leads to self doubt, trouble concentrating, poor performance, chronic stress, negative thoughts, muscle tension and detrimental physical symptoms.

In severe cases, it can morph into mental health issues, an anxiety disorder, substance abuse and social isolation. When these occur it's important to seek help with a clinical psychologist.

Now, you might be thinking, "Is workplace anxiety when the coffee machine breaks down on a Monday morning?"

Well, maybe, but there's a bit more to it. Workplace anxiety is that pesky little bug that nibbles at your sanity, making you feel like you're juggling flaming chainsaws while riding a unicycle on a tightrope.

What Is Performance Anxiety At Work? Is it different?

Performance anxiety at work, often known as "stage fright in the office," is the fear of performing inadequately or failing in a work-related situation. It's the sweaty palms and stomach butterflies you get when you're put on the spot, under pressure, and feel like everyone's watching.

Performance anxiety is like that demanding stage director in your mind who insists on a perfect show, every single time.

It's the fear of messing up, the dread of disappointment, and the pressure to perform perfectly that can turn your job into an episode of 'Survivor'.

Performance anxiety may be caused by working with a difficult boss who fails to encourage employees and leads by instilling fear versus providing support.

This may all seem a bit dramatic, but hey, we're not just making this stuff up.

A study by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that 56% of workers identified work as a significant source of anxiety.

That's more than half of us who are basically playing whack-a-mole with our tasks and deadlines.

So, if you're feeling the workplace pressure, remember, you're not alone...and no, hiding in the bathroom is not a long-term solution.

Let's dive deeper, yeah?

5 Telltale Symptoms of Job Anxiety

1. Overthinking:

If you find yourself ruminating over every small detail, from the wording in your email to the tone of your voice in the last meeting, welcome to the overthinkers club. This constant mental rewinding buries you in negative thoughts and is a common symptom of work anxiety.

2. Insomnia:

When work worries keep you tossing and turning at night, counting sheep and white noise doesn't help. If work-related thoughts negatively affect and monopolize your bedtime, it's probably affecting your work performance too.

3. Physical discomfort:

Unexplained headaches, muscle tension, or frequent stomach aches? While mental health may be at the forefront, your body might be playing out the stress your mind is going through. Physical symptoms are often the body's SOS signal for high stress levels.

4. Procrastination and low productivity:

If you feel anxious, your to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt and you're constantly avoiding tasks, it could be negatively affecting your work performance. Procrastination and reduced productivity often come with the work anxiety package.

5. Irritability or mood swings:

If you're flipping from being happy-go-lucky to grumpy cat in a matter of seconds, your work stress could be the culprit. Mood swings and irritability can be indicative of high stress levels and will contribute to social anxiety outside of work as well.

Remember, recognizing these anxiety symptoms is the first step towards tackling work life anxiety. So, give yourself a pat on the back, because you're already on your way to managing it better.

7 Ways to Eliminate Performance Anxiety at Work

1. Planning and Setting Realistic Deadlines

Effective planning is the key to crushing workplace anxiety. Seriously, it's like having a superpower. With a clear plan in place, you can break tasks into bite-sized pieces and set deadlines that are actually achievable.

No more setting yourself up for stress and disappointment. Have a step by step plan where you can cross out completed tasks, this will give you a sense of achievement and confidence after each one is completed.

Now, when it comes to setting those deadlines, let's be real and honest with ourselves. We don't need any of that "Mission Impossible" stuff here. Unrealistic deadlines only lead to stress, anxiety, and a whole lot of unproductive hair-pulling moments. Let's avoid that, shall we?

To level up your planning game, consider using project management software or get fancy with bullet journaling. These nifty tools help you prioritize, break down tasks, and track your progress. Need a head start? Check out ClickUp or Asana, the life savers of project management tools.

So, get your planning on, be the boss of your tasks, and say goodbye to workplace anxiety. You've got this.

2. Asking for Help from Coworkers: The Brené Brown Way

Asking for help can be totally intimidating, but hey, we all know managing job performance anxiety is a real struggle, right?

So, here's the deal: reach out to your awesome coworkers, break down those tasks, and share some knowledge and ideas.

It's like a teamwork party, baby! Just remember, effective communication is key.

So, don't be shy – clearly and respectfully communicate your needs. And if you're hesitant, ask yourself: what's the worst that could happen? Looking weak or incompetent?

Nah, asking for help is actually a sign of strength, my friend. Embrace it. When we're open to learning from others with Bren é Brown-type vulnerability, we become complete bosses at our jobs.

Let's crank up that self esteem and level up together.

3. Using the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a fancy time management tool. It's like having a personal assistant, minus the fancy suit and tie. You work for 25 minutes straight, no distractions allowed, and then take a mini vacation (break) for 5 minutes. Rinse and repeat until you conquer the world.

All you need is a timer and a to-do list that can be as long as Santa's naughty list. Set that timer, get to work, and when it goes off, take a breather.

This is a studied method to help reduce performance anxiety. The short breaks act as a temporary comfort zone for you to detach, and so you're eyes don't fall out of your head by staring at the computer for too long.

The amount of tasks you finish will build confidence in your progress and have co-workers leaning over your cubicle wondering how you're getting so much done, while in such a good mood.

Oh, and feel free to play around with the timings, because rules are meant to be broken, right?

4. Exercise and Healthy Snacking: No more Donuts

Physical activity and balanced nutrition are essential for managing job performance anxiety. If you exercise regularly it can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase productivity.

If you're all about that precious time, why not spice up your workday with some lightning-fast exercises? Stretching or taking the stairs instead of the "oh-so-lazy" elevator can keep you on your toes.

And let's talk about snacking. Say goodbye to those sugary, processed snacks and say hello to the real MVPs - nuts, fruits, and veggies.

Fuel up with these nutrient-packed powerhouses to keep your energy levels high and your focus sharp. Who needs junk food when you can snack like a boss?

And if you're at one of those cushy offices that constantly offers donuts or an open kitchen with a plethora of unhealthy options, don't indulge in work overeating.

In order to manage stress in your daily life, getting your endorphins going with exercise and having health food inputs in your body serve as relaxation techniques when you're ready to zone into work and get in flow.

5. Positive Self-Talk

Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of past successes and your capabilities. Avoid catastrophic thinking and focus on what you can control.

Mindfulness and self-care are essential components of managing performance anxiety at work. Practice mindfulness with meditation, which can help reduce stress and improve focus.

To get started, find a quiet space in the break room or office building courtyard, sit in a comfortable position, and focus on your deep breathing.

Allow thoughts to come and go without judgment, and return your focus to your breath when your mind wanders.

If you let your anxious thoughts take over you'll constantly worry about failure or imposter syndrome. It will spiral into a self fulfilling prophecy and you'll be more prone to potential mistakes at work.

So practice positive self talk and zen your way out of work related stress.

6. CBD: Your Desk Drawer Savior

CBD, or cannabidiol, has been making a buzz around the wellness scene for its potential stress-busting properties. It's like having a chill pill in your desk drawer, minus the side-eye from HR.

Now, we're not talking about trading your afternoon espresso for a joint. No, no. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won't make you high.

Instead, it might just help take the edge off those nerve-wracking presentations or the daunting pile of paperwork.

So, why not try incorporating some CBD oil into your self-care routine? It could be your secret weapon for tackling workplace anxiety.

You can drop it under your tongue, add it to your healthy lemon water or mix it with to your afternoon tea.

Just remember, every chill journey starts with a single step – or in this case, a drop.

7. Confront Your Manager: Don't Hold Back

Now, let's talk about the "big boss" - your manager or supervisor.

You may have stage fright due to an upcoming big presentation, or you're unable to meet deadlines, or you're unprepared for an important meeting, or your boss isn't setting realistic goals.

If you're dealing with a "Voldemort level" anxiety that's affecting your work performance, it's time to take a deep breath and step into their office.

Sounds scary, right? But don't worry, we're not suggesting a dramatic "Jerry Springer" style confrontation.

No, we're talking about a candid, respectful conversation about your feelings.

Just imagine for a second, you're all stressed out, working your socks off, while your boss is blissfully unaware, probably thinking about their next golf game or what they'll have for lunch. You gotta let them in on what you're going through.

Remember though, don't just storm in there like a bull in a china shop. Be open and honest, but also respectful. Explain how your anxiety is impacting your work and ask for their advice or support.

They might not be a certified therapist (unless you work in a therapy office, in which case, jackpot!), but they can definitely help make things a bit easier.

So, summon up your inner Gryffindor courage, take that step, and remember, your boss is human too (despite rumors to the contrary).

And who knows, they might just respect you a little bit more for standing up for yourself. But if for any reason your work performance anxiety gets too harsh to handle, turn to a medical professional.

Addressing your Anxiety Disorder at Work: The Therapy Part

Anxiety disorders are serious medical conditions, just as real and serious as physical disorders such as heart disease or diabetes.

They can manifest in various forms, from generalized anxiety disorder to specific phobias, and can significantly interfere with your work productivity, relationships with friends and family members, and overall quality of life.

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people suffering from an anxiety disorder frequently have intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.

If you're encountering severe anxiety symptoms at work that are interfering with your ability to function, it's important to acknowledge this and seek help.

Remember, it's okay not to be okay. Everyone struggles sometimes, and asking for help with your mental health is not a sign of weakness but of strength.

Reach out to a mental health professional - they can provide you with the tools to manage your generalized anxiety and even offer treatment strategies such as therapy or medication.

You don't have to navigate through this alone.

Above all, don't let stigma prevent you from seeking help. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there's no shame in taking steps to improve your well-being.

Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking help is the first step towards feeling better.

How the Sunday Scaries affect Performance Anxiety

Sunday Scaries are real, folks. It's that gloomy feeling of anxiety that sets in on Sunday evenings as the reality of Monday – an inbox flooding faster than the Titanic and back-to-back meetings – looms large.

They're like the monsters under your bed as a kid, but now the monsters have spreadsheets and deadlines.

They can fuel performance anxiety, making you feel like you're constantly on the back foot, even before the work week begins.

The key is to tackle the Sunday Scaries head-on with a mix of relaxation, positive planning, and a bit of self-care.

Remember, Sunday is still the weekend. So, give yourself a break and check out from work, kick back, do something you love, and show Monday who's boss.

Wrapping It Up: The Zen Way to Office Survival

And there you have it, folks. We've just taken a rollercoaster ride through the world of navigating performance anxiety at work with all the symptoms and solutions.

From swapping donuts for delicious CBD-infused smoothies, to getting those endorphins popping with some peppy exercises, to deep breathing when social anxiety sneaks up on us during those big presentations - we've got it all figured out.

We've talked about facing the music (and your boss), and how tackling stressful situations head-on is the key to becoming the office Yoda. Or at least, the person less likely to hide behind the photocopier when things get tough.

We've also touched on the power of living in the present moment (especially on Sundays), keeping those irrational thoughts at bay, and accepting that it's okay to feel not okay sometimes.

So next time you're feeling overworked and under-caffeinated, just remember: you're not alone. We're all in this together, one deep breath at a time.

Let's reduce anxiety, up the ante on those positive vibes, and remember - even Batman had to face his fear of bats.

Don't fret, you got this.