METM22 presentation

How to manage work-related stress (and why you should)

Jacqueline M. Costa, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Scientific research has unequivocally demonstrated the negative impact of stress on physical and mental health. In April 2019, the World Health Organization classified stress as the health epidemic of the 21st century; in 2020, it defined work-related stress as “the response … [to] work demands and pressures … which challenge [one’s] ability to cope.” The research on work-related stress among self-employed professionals shows that they are exposed to specific stressors that employees are not. Quality of life has also been the subject of extensive research, specifically its impact on health-related outcomes. There is no longer any doubt that quality of life is associated with good – or poor – physical and mental health.

Work-related stress and quality of life are mutually dependent; the one determines, at least to some extent, the other. As most translators and editors are self-employed, our exposure to work-related stressors is considerable and must be addressed.

Purpose
I will present the professional strategies and practices that I adopt to manage work-related stress to enhance my quality of life, thereby protecting my physical and mental health.

Solutions and recommendations
I will share the stress-reducing strategies and practices that have been effective for me, including:
  • categorizing stressors as either internal (e.g., beliefs, expectations, habits, and character) or external (e.g., working environment, relationships with clients, business management) so as to identify the most effective action to take
  • time management and workload hacks 
  • knowing when and how to say no
  • managing miscommunication through checklists and “client training”
  • coping with the solitude of self-employment
  • digital detox techniques
  • dealing with the impact on work of global events

About the presenter

Jacqueline M. Costa is an English-mother-tongue copy editor/translator in Italy specializing in biomedical research. She also teaches scientific English, is the author of the book The doctor is in: capire l'inglese delle riviste scientifiche (Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore, Rome 2010), and is a speaker coach for TEDxReggioEmilia.