Simple Tips to Reduce Stress at Work

Everyone faces stress at some point, but what if the thing you spend more than half your waking hours doing is the cause of your worries? That’s right, in 2012, 65% of people said work was one of their top stressors. Many factors (like low salaries and unachievable expectations) can contribute to work-related stress. Yet, you’re less likely to meet those expectations or get much done at all thanks to lower productivity when you’re stressed. While major stressors may require difficult conversations with upper management or the HR department, we’ve got a few pointers to help you reduce stress at work!

Create a Schedule

If you want to curb stress fast, create a basic schedule that you follow everyday. Having a regular schedule will help you develop habits (the backbone of efficiency). Then, you should monitor your tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines each week to make sure you allow adequate time to complete them… without staying late.

Talk to Coworkers

The responsibilities and demands of work may be stressful, but being in the office in general shouldn’t be. Creating relationships, even those based on a mutual love of breakroom snacks, can help you get through the day and just maybe, not hate being at work.

Establish Break Times

Your mind and body need movement and short breaks to recharge every so often. At the top of each hour, take five minutes to walk to get a glass of water, say hello to a coworker, or check Facebook. These short distractions can help you work more efficiently in those remaining 55 minutes… just make sure you’re limiting yourself to five or 10 minutes so you don’t derail all productivity for the day.

Leave Work at Work

It can be hard, especially in fields that require round-the-clock observation, but you’ll be happier if you can separate work and free time. When work keeps you from spending time with family and friends, you only invite more stress into your life. Planning ahead helps you allow adequate time for large projects, and establishing daily cutoff times can help you get home at a reasonable hour.

While stress can sometimes help us rise to important occasions, too much of it can be detrimental to our minds and bodies. Stress can lead to increased fatigue, anxiety, and irritability, not to mention unhealthy behaviors like smoking and overeating. If your office could use a little stress therapy, call us to schedule a health fair. You can get massages, blood tests, and other tools to monitor your health.

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