How to Reduce Stress at Work
From last-minute projects to a long list of unopened emails, it’s easy to become overwhelmed at work. Although you may think you have your stress under control, it can affect your mental and physical health over time.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the impact stress has on your well-being and explain how to reduce stress at work. With time and stress management tips from Strong Training and Coaching, you will be one step closer to accomplishing your goals with less stress in your life.
Pinpoint the Source of Your Stress
Before you can effectively manage stress at work, you must first know the source of it. Recognize the signs of stress, and then ask yourself what happened to create it. Keep a stress journal of moments in time when you’ve felt particularly overwhelmed. If you know the source of your stress, write that down as well. With online employee training, you can learn more about identifying your stressors and avoiding burnout.
Manage Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for stress management. Know when to take time off from work, and shut off your computer or cell phone when you do. At the end of your day, avoid the temptation to continue working once the day is over.
If you must work outside regular work hours, set boundaries. Give yourself time to enjoy a healthy meal and spend time with family. Taking this time to refresh will help you tackle workplace problems.
Practice Good Time Management
Poor time management is one of the problems that can lead to wasted time and, ultimately, high-stress levels. Set aside moments in the day for completing solitary tasks, and do not schedule meetings during those times.
If there is a single task you’ve been avoiding, focus on it for just five minutes and then set it aside. It is also wise not to schedule meetings that last longer than an hour. Know the limits of your focus and attention, and avoid pushing off big projects to the last minute.
Set Up a Comfortable Workstation
Make your workstation a place where you can enjoy working by:
- Paying attention to ergonomics. Have your desk and chair fitted by a professional to avoid stress on your body.
- Setting up a well-lit station with a comfortable temperature.
- Painting the walls a color that you enjoy.
- Installing art on the walls.
Avoid Multitasking
Most people cannot effectively multitask. When they try, they end up doing less work than if they had simply done one task at a time. Learn the art of working on one thing before moving to the next. Once you’re comfortable working in this style, you’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish — and with less stress than if you tried to do many things all at once.
Take a Walk
Go for a walk on lunch breaks, or take 15-minute walks to calm your nerves if you’re feeling anxious. There’s nothing that can’t wait 15 minutes, and when you’re back from your walk, you’ll feel better. Find a time to go outside once per day, and work this into your routine. Walking will also help you stay healthy and fit, and that can reduce stress as well.
Forgive Yourself
You’re not always going to be perfect on the job. When something goes wrong, the easiest way to move on is to forgive yourself. This will reduce your stress and help you forge a path forward, which is another way to lower your overall stress levels.
Limit Time in Meetings
Meetings can be draining, especially when they’re taking time away from something else that could be getting done. Schedule meetings only when they’re necessary and end them on time. Also, set an agenda for the call to keep them timely. Continue to evaluate all meetings and cut out any that may be unnecessary.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Guided meditation, yoga, and running are all common ways that people relax. You can try one of these for yourself or find another method. If you haven’t found a relaxation technique that works for you, stay open-minded and experiment.
Manage Stressors With Online Career Coaching
You don’t have to manage work stress alone — receive professional coaching services to improve your performance, personal growth, and lower anxieties in the workplace. To get help from a NYC career coach, contact Strong Training and Coaching. We can help you achieve work-life balance, teach you different relaxation techniques, and help develop a stress management plan to cope with your daily challenges!
