Work Stress

When our performance is being evaluated, such as at work, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. In fact, studies show that when an individual finds a situation “challenging,” it can produce increased competence and capacity for learning. That means that important work assignments can increase our productivity. However, there is a line that performance anxiety can cross; if you experience a situation as “threatening,” you may feel helpless and a foreboding sense of loss. So while a healthy amount of rising to the challenge is good for productivity, if work pressure becomes too stressful, it can have quite a crushing effect. People with performance anxiety often rate work as one of the most important things in their life, which can exacerbate their stress.

Often, workplaces also include a social element, and work stress can be exacerbated by friction with colleagues. Dealing with unpleasant situations such as cliques can add another layer of performance anxiety. Some individuals won’t necessarily think of themselves as being stressed by their workplace; however, they may experience symptoms of stress like difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, excessive fatigue, or loss of interest at work.