We know, we know: finding a work-life balance in 2019 is no easy feat. While clocking a full eight hours of sleep, eating a balanced diet and practising mindfulness all seem like reasonable solutions to managing stress and anxiety – the reality for most of us is not that easy.
According to the most recent data published by Beyond Blue, one in eight women reports experiencing an anxiety-related condition. But as unsettling as the symptoms are, it can be a very useful emotion – especially when it comes to the workplace.
As explained in the latest research published by ScienceDirect, those constantly worried about letting others down feel a greater need to prove their worth than their chilled out colleagues. And, as a result, are more likely to perform better.
Interestingly, the findings revealed: “highly anxious subjects showed a greater job involvement because they might undervalue their own accomplishments when at remunerated employment, attempting to get involved and productive in the job itself.”
But don’t let your emotions consume you – how you handle your anxiety is key. A second study published in 2017 looked at how workers handled high-pressure situations. They found that those who viewed stressful events as challenges – rather than threats – actually gained energy from their anxiety.
The takeaway? If you’re feeling nervous about a big interview, you can use that to your advantage, but it’s not something you should be losing sleep over.
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This article originally appeared on InStyle.
