5 Easy Tricks To Reduce Stress At Work

Work is one of the number one places for stress. Everyone has experienced some level of work-induced anxiety in their lives. It’s important to acknowledge that you’re stressed and handle it with a healthy attitude. Little changes in your routine or way of thinking can make a big impact on your overall mental well-being. You can’t control your coworkers’ reactions to hiccups in the project, but you can control yours. Train yourself to take time during the day to care for yourself. These tricks are a great starting point for those who need some assistance managing stress at work.

Make A Routine

It’s hard to concentrate on your daily tasks when your thoughts are scattered. People and surprise projects can disrupt your train of thought. It may be hard to manage others, but you can monitor yourself. Make a daily routine. If that means grabbing coffee at the same coffee shop every morning, then do it. What is the first thing you want to do when you get to work? If it’s reviewing the day’s tasks and listing them by priority, that’s definitely a good start. If people try to interrupt your routine, is it possible to come in when they aren’t there? It’s amazing how relaxing it can be in the early mornings at a quiet office.

Avoid Gossip And Conflict

Oh, yes. We’ve all been at the water coolers. We stand around listening to others talk shop…but mostly it’s gossip. It’s an excuse to think about something other than the boring projects that are going on. But this can lead to hurt feelings – both for you and your coworkers. Hurt feelings lead to poor work relationships. And this isn’t good for anyone. If you can avoid being involved, do so. If it’s still affecting you, try to insert yourself into the conversation and change topics. Bring up the vacation you’re planning for Christmas or how proud you are of everyone’s hard work. Positive energy in the workplace means less stress for you.

Breathe During Tight Deadlines

Deadlines breed stress. It’s hard to avoid. Even if you’re fully prepared and have been working on the project for months, you still worry that something is missing. It’s okay. We’ve all been there. It’s important to take a moment and relax. Review the project with a different perspective. A relaxed one. Breathe and take your time completing final checks. You might find some mistakes, but if they’re caught before the deadline, there’s no need to worry. Breathing clears your mind and relaxes your tense muscles. Give it a chance and see how well you feel afterward.

Take Necessary Breaks

No matter how hard your boss or you push yourself, it’s important to take breaks during the work day. Eating, stretching, and walking will reduce your stress. When you aren’t stressed, your work flourishes. Things that would have gone unnoticed before may be seen thanks to a clear head and a full belly. Is your office dark? Step outside for some sunshine; vitamin D is important for your health. Take vitamins if you aren’t getting enough. And treat yourself to tasty mochas or lattes. It’s okay to enjoy yourself at work, so long as the work is getting done.

Pat Yourself On The Back

Reward yourself for your hard work. Take a moment at the end of the day to appreciate all that you accomplished. Not everyone can do what you can, so acknowledge that. Sometimes family and friends fail to notice your great qualities, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t appreciate yourself anyway. Hit the save button and lean back in your office chair. You’ve done it. If you can tell yourself, “I’ve done a great job. The rest can wait until tomorrow,” then you are in good standing with your self-esteem and stress levels.

As you’ve read, there are many ways to reduce stress. Some may work for you, some may not. You might use tricks that aren’t on this list. Whatever the case may be, take time for yourself. Stress doesn’t help anything, so manage it the best that you can. Don’t want to do it alone? Ask your work buddy to come to your area of the office during lunch so you can meditate together. Literally pat each other on the back at the end of the work day. Routines like this will increase your mental fortitude. But remember…don’t stress about remembering these techniques. They will come naturally when you need them.

Disclaimer: We are not doctors. This information is not to be mistaken for medical advice. If you struggle with mental health, reach out to a professional for help.