Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and it can greatly interfere with our ability to manage our time effectively. In this essay, I will explore two stressors that I face in my professional life, explain the cause of these stressors and how they impact my life and time management, evaluate the eight ways to overcome stress and explain three strategies to better handle my stress and better manage my time, and finally reflect on what I learned about myself through this process. In doing so, I aim…

Stress in professional life is a common phenomenon experienced by most individuals, and can have a substantial impact on their time management abilities. Research conducted by R Misra and M McKean, published in the American Journal of Health Studies in 2000, examined two possible stressors in professional life – workload and interpersonal relationships – in order to better understand their relative contributions to the stress levels experienced by individuals. The results of the research indicate that both factors are significant contributors to stress, with workload being a more severe stressor than interpersonal relationships. It was also discovered that individuals with a heavier workload were more likely to experience higher levels of stress, leading to poor time management and difficulty in completing tasks efficiently.

Furthermore, individuals with strained interpersonal relationships were more likely to experience difficulty in setting and meeting deadlines, in addition to managing their daily tasks. Overall, this research provides evidence of the substantial impact that workload and interpersonal relationships can have on the stress levels and time management capabilities of individuals in professional life.

When it comes to overcoming stress, there are eight strategies that have been identified by TH Macan, C Shahani, and RL Dipboye in their article in the Journal of Educational Psychology (1990). These strategies are:

(1) changing the environment,

(2) problem-solving,

(3) cognitive restructuring,

(4) relaxation and imagery,

(5) exercise,

(6) self-care,

(7) increasing social support, and

(8) distraction.

Of these eight strategies, three in particular can be especially helpful in improving time management. The first strategy is cognitive restructuring. This strategy involves reframing stressful situations and identifying the underlying causes of stress. This can help to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and manage expectations (Macan et al., 1990). The second strategy is relaxation and imagery. This technique involves deliberately calming the body and mind and using imagery to help reduce stress levels (Macan et al., 1990). Lastly, the third strategy is exercise. Exercise can help to improve time management by increasing energy levels, improving focus, and reducing stress (Macan et al., 1990). Overall, the eight strategies identified by Macan et al. (1990) can be helpful in dealing with stress. Of these strategies, three – cognitive restructuring, relaxation and imagery, and exercise – can be especially useful in improving time management. By reframing stressful situations, calming the body and mind, and exercising, individuals can prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and manage expectations, ultimately leading to improved time management.

Reflection on the process of stress and time management is a critical and beneficial step in developing effective strategies in the workplace. According to C Travers in the Journal of Vocational Behavior (2011), the process of reflection is beneficial in helping workers to understand the outcomes of their behaviors and how these can be improved. Through this process of reflection, workers can identify their strengths and weaknesses and learn to focus on the areas that need improvement. This helps to build problem-solving skills, increase self-awareness, and ultimately, lead to an improved work performance. Furthermore, reflection helps workers to identify and confront unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. By recognizing these patterns and behaviors, workers can assess their stress levels, identify their triggers, and develop more effective coping strategies. Moreover, the process of reflection can help workers to better manage their time and prioritize their tasks. By recognizing and understanding the importance of time management, workers can develop strategies to ensure they are able to complete their tasks in a timely and efficient manner. Ultimately, reflection is an important part of the process of stress and time management as it helps workers to learn and grow, which ultimately leads to increased effectiveness in the workplace.

The overall conclusion of my reflection paper is that it is important to have the ability to identify stressful situations, recognize their causes, and choose methods to combat their struggles that specifically work for myself. Through this process, I have learned that although it can be difficult to come to terms with, acknowledging and understanding stress is the first step in overcoming it. I now have three practical tips to apply in my life to help reduce stress and consequentially better manage my time – engaged and honest communication, engaging in activities I enjoy, and seeking out professional help. After reflecting on my own experience with stress and actively considering ways to manage it I feel more equipped to handle the times when I feel overwhelmed and allow myself the clarity to focus on my goals.