Let's be honest—workplace stress and competition are part of life for most of us. Whether we're just starting our career or already deep into it, we all face moments when things feel overwhelming.

Maybe it's deadlines piling up, colleagues who seem to be doing better than us, or simply the pressure to always stay productive. So how can we survive—and even thrive—in this kind of environment? Let's explore it together.

Understand where the stress comes from

We can't fix what we don't understand. Workplace stress often comes from three main things: workload, people, and expectations. Sometimes we take on too much. Other times, it's difficult coworkers or unclear tasks that wear us out. And then there's the pressure to "prove ourselves" or get ahead in a competitive space. Once we pinpoint the source, we're already one step closer to handling it better.

Don't be afraid to speak up

When the pressure builds up, it's tempting to stay quiet and just try to power through. But often, the best way forward is to talk about it. If we're overwhelmed by tasks, let's have a friendly but honest chat with our manager or teammate. They may not even realize we're struggling. Open communication helps set better boundaries—and shows we care about doing things right, not just fast.

Set our own pace

It's easy to compare ourselves with others—especially in a competitive office. But not everyone is on the same timeline. Some people get promoted quickly, others take their time. That doesn't mean we're behind. Instead of chasing others' speed, let's focus on doing our best and growing step by step. A strong and steady path often leads to better results than rushing and burning out.

Use small wins to build confidence

When work feels tough, it helps to break big goals into smaller ones. That way, every time we complete a task, we feel a bit more in control. These little wins build our confidence and keep our motivation alive. So instead of stressing over the whole mountain, let's just focus on the next step in front of us.

Keep healthy habits even on busy days

It sounds simple, but it matters: eat on time, drink enough water, and try to get enough rest. When we're tired or hungry, we're more likely to feel frustrated or anxious. A 10-minute walk, some light stretches, or just a screen break can also do wonders for our focus. These habits might seem small, but they're key to long-term energy and mood.

Learn how to say “no”

We can't take on everything—and we don't have to. Saying “no” doesn't make us lazy or unhelpful. It shows that we know our limits and want to do a good job with what's already on our plate. Let's practice saying things like: “I'd love to help, but I'm currently at full capacity” or “Can I get back to you after I finish this task?” Clear and respectful—everyone wins.

Focus on growth, not just results

Instead of obsessing over titles, numbers, or being better than others, let's focus on learning and improving. Every challenge we face is a chance to grow. When we see our career as a journey, it helps us enjoy the process more—and take less stress from temporary setbacks.

Find support outside of work

We all need people to lean on. Having friends or family to talk to, or joining a hobby group, gives us space to unwind and see life beyond work. Even a simple message from someone who gets it can help us feel less alone. Let's make time for these moments—they help us recharge.

Know that we're not alone

Everyone feels workplace pressure at some point. We may not always show it, but many of us are going through the same struggles behind the scenes. The important thing is that we learn to take care of ourselves, speak kindly to ourselves, and take things one day at a time.

Let's lift each other up

Lykkers, if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, remember: you're doing your best, and that counts for a lot. Let's check in with ourselves and with each other. What's one small thing we can do this week to make work feel a little easier? Whether it's saying “no” to something extra or taking a 5-minute breather, every little step matters.

Have your own way of dealing with workplace pressure? Share it—we'd love to learn from you too!

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Video by Jennifer Brick