l recently started a new job as an administrative assistant at a reception desk.Since l sit in the front, l feel that l must smile and say hello to everyone that walks by.This can be surprisingly, quite tiresome.Sometimes l might be having a hard day and may not feel like ''business socializing'' as much.

Also, l have a hard time concentrating on my other duties because l feel l have to look up and make eye contact when someone walks by.

Or if it is not busy at all, l am extremely bored and almost feel guilty if I am sitting there reading a book or surfing the web, which they said l could do if it is slow.

I am stressing because of this and trying to remember everyone is name and what department the call would go to.

How do l stress less at work?

If you want to get to know people just text them with computer or talk to them during lunch awkward looks will get you no where with it.

You will get less stress as you get used to your new job and more comfortable with it. In no time you will know automatically which person
works at which department. As for the socialization part,it is nice that
you say hello to everyone but you do not really have to. A smile can
be enough,unless a person looks lost or something and you need to address them.

Give it a little time,you will relax if you just let yourself.

jesus l dont want to know how u would be if u actually had an important job.

As an engineer l could be having a heart attack with stress, knowing that if l made one small mistake on a design, the bridge/building l designed could kill a bunch of people.

But l never stress out! all my life people hate me for the fact im always laid back, whether it was during exams, big interviews, anything.

Its just the person u are. l know people that stress over the littlest things, & some never get stressed so u just have to learn to relax.

My advice, when u go home get some chill music, lay back & relax. And just be happy for the little things in life. You could be in a sweat shop in China making shoes for 2 cents a day, so youre job is probably not very stressful when u look at the big picture.

You will live so much longer & healthier & happier if u just kick the stress.

It takes time to get acclimated to a new job/surroundings especially since you're ''center stage.'' l worked a recep desk & it' not easy, what with people buzzing by constantly & phone ringing off the hook. It is easy to be distracted.

Is there a phone directory on ur desk? if not, get names/extensions & write them down; also the department extensions.

You're lucky you're allowed to read/surf the net at work. Seize the time & surf for info that could enhance ur career. l was not allowed net priviledges but during slow times I'd practice typing or read my steno (court reporting) notes when l was in school.

If u can, get away from ur desk & take a short walk even if it is downstairs to ur lobby to get something, i.e. candy.

l would stop caring so much. Be nice, be polite, but firm. Do the best you can and not care so much what others think.