Workplace stress is something many individuals are familiar with and experience every day. More than 1 million workers are absent from their employment each business day due to high levels of stress. While there are many causes ranging from excessive workloads to conflicts in the office, there are several things you can do to reduce your stress while on the job. Here are five things that will help reduce your stress at work.
1. Organization
A cluttered and disorganized environment can cause additional stress. It makes it challenging to relax and focus. It can also increase feelings of anxiety and make you feel embarrassed or guilty about your office space. If you struggle to keep your workspace clean, set aside five minutes in the morning and afternoon to pick this area up. This will prevent your office and desk space from getting out of hand.
2. Exercise
Regular exercise is a great way to reduce your stress levels at work and at home. When you exercise, you release cortisol, which improves your mood. You will feel more productive, creative, and energetic. You don’t have to participate in intense exercise each day either. Even just a short walk can do wonders to improve your stress at work.
3. Focus on Your Work/Life Balance
When you experience stress at work, it is easy to go in early and work late at night to get more done. Unfortunately, you may only be hurting yourself. You need time away from the office to recharge and relax. This time will help clear your mind, improve your creativity, and strengthen your brainpower. As you strive to improve your work/life balance, consider the following three tips:
- Use your vacation time. This time away from the office is essential to your overall health and well-being.
- Turn off your work phone and do not check your emails at home.
- Participate in hobbies and activities you love outside of the office.
4. Develop Strong Time Management Skills
Deadlines and long to-do lists can be a major cause of stress. Just the thought of these tasks can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious. Strong time management skills will help you make the most of your time when you are at work. It will prevent you from procrastinating and putting off high-priority tasks until the last minute. It will also help you feel more accomplished and satisfied at the end of the day.
5. Talk to Your Manager
If you are experiencing an excessive amount of stress at work and it is affecting other areas of your life, it may be ideal to talk to your manager. Tell him or her about the challenges you are facing. When they are aware of what you are feeling, they can help you create a healthier, happier work environment. They can also help you receive the resources and support you need to reduce your stress and enjoy being at work once again.
Stress at work is not something you should be ashamed of or let it overtake your daily life. The above five items are excellent ways to reduce your stress and feel happier, more productive, and more engaged in your office.
