Increased competitiveness and busy schedules in the professional world has led to the need to find ways of managing work-related stress.
After all, extra working hours, short deadlines, and decreased fringe benefits are common aspects of a high-pressure job today.
The idea of work stress may be subjective. But, its existence can not be denied no matter which industry you work in.
Some of us deal with angry customers often, while others have a high workload. However, the way we handle these stressors makes all the difference.
A lot of it might even have to do with the kind of personality you have. People who have learned to be resilient, for example, nurses, might not be as affected as you are by stress. It might take them to double the work you have to burn out. But that does not matter. The key here is to be able to manage any amount of stress you face at your workplace.
No worries. I’m here to help! As you might already know, I’m a Master Mindset Coach, and a bestselling wellness author with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded a groundbreaking and therapist recommended video course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love sharing tools to help people to live their calmest and happiest lives.
With this in mind, I have prepared a list of tips you can implement in your life to reduce stress in the workplace.
But first, let us look at how to identify the existence of stress.
All of us have a certain level of expectations from ourselves. We have a rough idea of how much we can accomplish. However, sometimes we overestimate our capabilities. Doing this is one of the main reasons for employee stress.
There is no shame in accepting that our workload does not allow for another project. Take your time determining how much work you can truly handle. Politely request your boss not to assign your more work until you complete a few tasks. Accepting more assignments than you can juggle will compromise their quality and your mental health.
Also, it is necessary to set boundaries even at your workplace. Do not be scared to tell your employer when your plate is full. It will not make you look unprofessional. Instead, it will show that you care about the quality of work you submit.
This tip will be significantly helpful for people who always have a lot on their plate and are struggling to make progress with goals. Your tasks may include making a call, submitting a proposal, and evaluating results. The best way to deal with this is by determining what needs to be finished first.
Make a to-do list every morning. Write down your entire schedule for the day. Begin with the task that is due the soonest. Having everything written down will make more sense. It also clears your brain regarding meeting deadlines.
Ensure you leave time for a breather after every while. Scheduling every second will throw you off track if there are any interruptions. The to-do list should be a rough idea of the tasks you need to complete during the day in a particular order.
You might have heard this tip uncountable times in your professional career. It does not get old because of its effectiveness. Taking small breaks between work can refresh your mind. Get up and stretch, releasing muscle tension that might build up when you sit and work for extended hours.
Walking down the corridor can increase your motivation to return to business. It will also lead to higher concentration levels and fresher ideas.
Moreover, it has become common for employees to miss lunch due to work. It is unfair to oneself not to reward yourself with a meal after consistently trying for hours. Ensure you avail of the lunch break and allow a mental reset. A full stomach also means you will have more energy, so long as you don’t overdo it as it may make you sluggish.
We discussed earlier how important it is to say no to more work when you don’t have space. It is equally necessary to set boundaries between office life and personal life. Ensure your coworkers are aware of when you are available. Make it a habit of not picking up calls or replying to emails other than those timings.
Accepting a call while you are having dinner with your family is not the wisest thing you do. It will lead to your colleagues believing you are available at all times. Also, it will cause a work-life conflict. Setting these boundaries from day one will ensure a smoother ride.
Setting a boundary requires you to give a 100% of your attention while at the office. This tip is to help you strike the perfect work-life balance.
Exercise is said to have a relaxing effect on your mind and body. Hence, you should add some physical activity to your routine. It can be running or cycling or doing a workout at home. Remember to try not to think about work while exercising.
Yoga and meditation are also effective ways to evaluate and reduce stress. They might not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, trying it for a while will not be harmful. Put on a YouTube video and follow a beginner’s guide to get assistance. Breathing techniques can also prove to be helpful in such cases.
It is wise to share your thoughts with trusted friends and family members. They might be able to give you meaningful advice. If not, even having someone to talk to might relieve half the burden.
Do not be afraid to reach out for professional help if you feel the need to. It is wise to pay attention to your mental stability before it is too late. Hence, prioritize your mental health and connect with a therapist in severe cases. Do not focus on the stigma around it.
Work stress is inevitable in today’s environment. The fast-paced industries also expect us to catch the pace. Most of the time, we give in to this pressure at the expense of our mental and physical stability. It is necessary that we begin to break the wheel now.
It’s healthy to take time to enjoy yourself. Consider taking your paid leaves like it is an obligation. Plan a small getaway with your family or friends and allow a mental repose. There is nothing more precious in this world than your happiness and contentment.
Explore my therapist recommended online course: The Anxiety Cure.
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