6 Smart Ideas to Help Plumbers Manage Their Stress Levels

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Plumbing is a profession that requires mental acuity, physical strength, and flexibility. Long hours of bending, climbing, and focusing on plumbing systems’ nuances can lead to physical and mental stress. Instead of brushing the stress off as an occupational hazard, consider strategies that allow you to unwind.

1- Book Appointments Wisely

If you have control over when appointments are booked, leave enough time between jobs. Be honest with clients about when they can expect you to arrive. When your phone is ringing constantly with calls from clients wondering why you haven’t shown up yet, you have a high probability of feeling stressed. Reasonable customers will likely prefer honest communication about scheduling constraints over rushed work and unanswered phone calls. If your manager books appointments for you, discuss reasonable expectations.

2- Watch for Side Projects

Building rapport with customers and building up repeat clients are boosts to your career. Customers may start asking you to do extra work on the side. One issue is that doing so might violate the terms of your job agreement, and taking on the projects could lead to stress over whether or not you’ll get caught. Furthermore, agreeing to numerous side projects could deplete your time to unwind and care for yourself.

3- Don’t Ignore Pain

Too many people in physically intensive jobs perceive physical pain as just another part of their day. Falling into the pattern of perceiving stabbing back pain, bruised limbs, and aching muscles as usual can significantly decrease the quality of your life. Schedule a doctor’s appointment and follow the guidance given. Taking a few days off from work now, for example, can increase the overall longevity of your career.

4- Engage in Regular Wellness Practices

As a plumber, you likely have a somewhat non-traditional work schedule. For example, you may work early in the morning or on weekends, or you might do emergency jobs. Maintaining regular eating and sleeping schedules is still essential. While you might not sleep or eat at the same hours as your family members do, you should establish and stick to a routine that fits with your career.

5- Have a Hobby

While taking on a hobby might seem impossible when you’re trying to juggle healthy eating, sleeping enough, and working, remember that this activity doesn’t have to consume much of your time. Set an attainable goal for yourself. For example, you might take one recreational class at the library each month or read one book every two weeks. Hobbies allow you to disengage from work stress and learn more about yourself.

6- Seek Professional Support

The reality is that everyone feels stress from work at times. However, this stress shouldn’t take over your life. If you’re finding the stress overwhelming or if you’re experiencing depression, consider seeing a counselor. Simply having someone to talk to regularly about your job-related stress can relieve relief.

Plumbing is a job that demands a lot from you, both physically and mentally. Instead of allowing this stress to dominate your life, engage in practices and behaviors that will enable you to unwind and rejuvenate.