How to Calm Anxiety Before a New Job

Ease work anxiety for better job performance.

Starting a new job is both exciting and nerve-wracking. New employees often face high levels of anxiety before starting work, mainly due to a fear of the unknown. Relieving this anxiety is critical, because if left untreated it may affect job performance. Most new job anxiety is due to unfounded fears and thoughts. Successfully relieving these feelings includes using a variety of techniques to induce calmness.

Things You'll Need

• Business attire
• Personal mementos

Instructions

1. Alleviate anxiety about fitting in by reading the company manual or contacting human resources regarding the proper work attire. Plan out your new work wardrobe for the first week and hang the complete outfits in your closet so you don't have to worry about them. Purchase needed new clothing well in advance of starting your job.

2. Locate three to four personal items to take with you on the first day to personalize your workspace. Some items to include are framed photos of family and pets or a small potted plant from your home. These items bring a familiar feel to your otherwise new surroundings. However, don't overdo it until you know what your office will look like.

3. Read the company literature and website before starting so you can learn as much about the company as possible. If employees are listed, learn their names and what they do. Even looking at photos of the office on the website will may you feel more comfortable once you get there.

4. Plan your driving route if you have a car, or the bus or subway route if you use public transportation. Get up early on a workday before starting your new job and follow the route to judge timing and traffic patterns.

5. Get at least eight hours of sleep a night, which will energize your body and help fight stress.

6. Allocate time each day to practice relaxation techniques. Visualize your first day and the challenges you may encounter, as well as ways to handle them. Breath deeply and slowly, and tense and release your muscles. Perform this visualization for 20 to 30 minutes each day and you will feel much calmer.

References

• Value Options; Coping With Anxiety in a New Job; Kristen Knight (PDF)
• Mayo Clinic: Relaxation techniques: Try These steps to Reduce Stress
• Guardian; Right From the Start; Sandra Deeble; January 2004