Stress outside work is bad enough, but work-related stress can be even worse, especially if you don’t have the luxury of being able to quit your job. So take some time out to read about these seven stress-busting pointers for a less-tense working life.
1. Give yourself the best chance
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in all the surrounding chaos. So begin the day right. Make sure you’ve given yourself enough time to get a good night’s sleep to avoid rushing to work the following day. Consider getting up a bit earlier to have a more leisurely start to the morning. And if you’re someone that needs your breakfast, eat something substantial and nutritious to help get you through the day.
2. Set boundaries
Be clear about what duties you’re responsible for at work, and assert yourself if you feel you’re getting overwhelmed. As well as being the wellspring of your workload nightmares, the workplace can also be a hotbed of gossip and politics, so remember to distance yourself from that side of things too so you don’t get emotionally caught up in it all.
3. Be organised
Disorganisation can be a major cause of stress and can make us feel we’re spiralling out of control. A more organised approach can mean anything from rescheduling meetings for a longer lunch break to decluttering your workstation.
4. Stress-proof your environment
We spend most of our lives at work, so it’s important to make sure we’re working in the healthiest environment possible. Noise and temperature can have a major effect on our wellbeing, so make all the adjustments you can to minimise the stress on your body. And if you spend most of your working day at a desk, be sure to take adequate breaks.
5. Focus on one thing at a time
You might think you get extra points for being a multitasking superhero at work, but trying to do too many things at once is a sure way to both burn out and stress out. Plan and prioritise, and break things down into sizeable chunks. Allowing time for deciding how to tackle the day’s work before you plunge right in will pay off in the end and could make you a more efficient worker.
6. Remember you’re only human
In this technological age, we can be fooled into thinking we’re as robust as all the gadgets and machines that surround us. As humans, we need to be mentally, physically and emotionally well to thrive. Keep checking in with yourself to see how you are. It may be tempting to clear your desk before taking that break, but what are your mind and body telling you? And is that extra hour of overtime really necessary?
7. Find an outlet for your stress
Stress can build up over time, without you even realising it, so it’s a good idea to find a release after work. Include some exercise in your life to burn the stress off, even if it’s just a walk around the block. Try to mentally switch off, and make sure you play hard as well as work hard.
Remember: Too much stress is not only bad for you, but it can have negative consequences at work, whether it’s making silly mistakes or getting into arguments with colleagues, so it can be counterproductive to ignore the signs of stress. Do all you can to eliminate stress in the workplace and keep monitoring your stress levels. Your body will thank you for it, and you’ll work more effectively in the long run.
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