New Kid on the Block: Managing the Stress of Starting a New Job

Day 1… There are few events that cause as many emotions as the first day on a new job. Will you be received into the work culture? Will you be able to perform to your expectations and theirs? Will you adapt quickly enough and pick up the new skills needed?

Whatever your most prominent concern is, being the “new kid on the block” can be cause for excitement and stress. Here are 3 simple ways you can start to manage the stress of starting a new job:

1. Get adequate sleep

According to an article on HelpGuide, most healthy adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation makes it hard to learn and retain new concepts, which in turn, makes it difficult for you to perform at your optimal level.

2. Exercise

Exercise releases hormones called endorphins. Endorphins provide a sense of well-being which can help relieve some of the stress of starting a new job. Not to mention that exercise is needed to maintain good physical health which influences mental health and the ability to adapt to new situations.

3. Ask questions

Your new boss expects you to have questions. In fact, they may be concerned if you don’t ask questions. Take advantage of your status of being “new” and ask away. Take away the undue pressure of having to figure everything out on your own. Take this time to learn as much as possible from as many resources as you can.

Being the “new kid on the block” can be stressful; however, it does not have to be overwhelming. If you find that you are overwhelmed and nothing seems to help bring down your stress level, one of our therapists would be happy to work with you to sort through your thoughts and emotions.

Written by: Latoya Brown