If your job is stressing you out – it could be your fault...

If you’re feeling overworked or stressed out – bad work habits could be to blame... 

Most of us are guilty of some from time to time – and some of us don’t even realize it. David Rock, author of “Your Brain at Work,” has some common bad habits that can be really detrimental to you work:

• Checking your email or posting updates on Facebook or Twitter. 

Connecting to people is similar to eating chocolate. The more you do it, the more you’ll want it. Break the habit and designate a time for that.

• You write and send work emails too hastily. 

A slapdash message may come across as confusing, or even offensive, to the person on the receiving end - and it may cast you in a bad light. Save it as a draft and check it later before you hit send.

• You're too involved in office politics. 

A little office gossip is inevitable – but spending too much time dissecting workplace dynamics can harm your reputation. Instead of worrying about who said what to whom when, devote that energy to work.

• You're always running late. 

A lot of people don’t realize the impact that running late has on their performance and on others. Consider setting an alert for 30 minutes before something important – or set your clocks a few minutes fast.

• You can't manage your personal and professional lives. 

If personal issues distract you at work, tell friends and family you'll respond to their calls and emails at the beginning or end of each day. 

• You have a negative attitude. 

If you find yourself griping about your job more often than not, you're setting yourself up for an endless cycle of negativity. That negative bias can reduce the quality of your ideas and the work you produce – and will probably bleed over into your personal life.