Stress from Increased Responsibility

Stress from increased responsibility can have either a positive or negative effect. Some people thrive on pressure and responsibility. They love the thrill of having a deadline or a big project. However, not everyone functions well under more responsibilities.

You can expect increased responsibility in situations such as a job promotion or when you have a new baby. It can feel overwhelming to have more thrust at you, and you may start stressing out. Too much responsibility can make you feel like you can never get everything finished that needs to be. You can develop a sense of powerlessness, hopelessness, focusing on all the problems and little things instead of looking at the big picture and ways to handle it. Sleep issues can arise and you may get tense muscles, headaches, and anxiety.

People become most worried about their ability to control the situation, how competent they are, feel unsupported by coworkers, may not find their job to be significant and thus fail to find meaning in the extra responsibility, have clarity issues related to the duties that need to be performed, and if there is poor communication, then stress can increase.

If you are feeling stress from increased responsibility you should take time out of your day to unwind. If you have a new baby, nap when the baby naps in order to recover your lost sleep. If you have a job issue, talk to your supervisor in order to know what is expected and clear up problems. In any situation, time management is very important. Keeping organized can help you feel less bogged down and surrounded by extra clutter. If your job is too stressful and the only way left to relieve the stress is through quitting, then do it. Your health is more important. With a baby, you cannot quit, but you can ask help from others in order to give yourself a little time alone.