Managing Workplace Stress

Deadlines, demanding bosses, difficult coworkers, too much work, not enough resources, constant change. Workplace stress is everywhere, and many men wear chronic stress like a badge of honor until it catches up with them. The body keeps score. Unmanaged stress eventually shows up as health problems, relationship damage, poor decisions, and diminished performance.

You can't eliminate workplace stress. But you can learn to manage it so it doesn't manage you.

Signs Stress Is Winning

• Constant fatigue despite adequate sleep
• Short temper with colleagues and family
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Physical symptoms: headaches, tension, digestive issues
• Dreading work consistently, not just occasionally
• Numbing through alcohol, food, screens, or other escapes

Stress isn't always about the amount of work. It's often about the amount of control. When you feel trapped, powerless, or overwhelmed, even manageable workloads become crushing. Regain agency where you can.

Managing Work Stress

Identify sources: What specifically is creating the most stress?

Control what you can: Focus energy on what's in your power.

Set boundaries: Protect time and energy for recovery.

Build support: Don't carry it alone.

Maintain health: Sleep, exercise, and nutrition matter more under stress.

Address root causes: Sometimes the situation needs to change.

Your Action Steps

This week: Identify your top three sources of work stress.

This month: Make one change to address or reduce one stressor.

This quarter: Build sustainable rhythms that include recovery, not just output.