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Anxiety

Anxiety at work — what actually helps

Not the deep-breathing poster in the break room. Practical, evidence-based things you can use before your next meeting.

Dr Sarah Chen4 min read

Anxiety at work is more common than most teams admit. The good news: a few small, specific habits make a real difference — and none of them require anyone else to know.

Why it matters

Most of us carry more than we let on. The point isn't to fix everything at once — it's to notice what's happening and take one small, honest step. That's where change actually starts.

You don't need a diagnosis to start looking after yourself. You just need to start.
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Try this: set a two-minute timer, write down what's on your mind, then pick just one item to act on today.

The signs to watch for

Changes tend to creep in slowly. Sleep gets lighter, patience gets shorter, and the things that used to feel easy start to feel heavy.

  1. Feeling tired even after a full night's sleep.
  2. Dreading things you used to enjoy.
  3. Withdrawing from the people around you.

What helps

  • Name the feeling before you try to solve it.
  • Pick one thing you can change this week, not ten.
  • Talk to someone — a mate, a manager, or a clinician.

At work

Small adjustments — a protected lunch break, a clearer priority list, a candid conversation with your manager — compound quickly.

When to get support

If any of this sounds familiar, the Clearhead app has free, Kiwi-made tools to help you take that first step — and a therapist when you are ready for one.

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Written by

Dr Sarah Chen

Clinical Psychologist at Clearhead, specialising in anxiety and workplace stress.

This article is general information, not a substitute for advice from a health professional who knows your situation.

Ready to talk to someone who gets it?

Find a registered therapist who fits you. Most have sessions this week, online across New Zealand and Australia.