Top tips for Handling Work Stress

Work stress has become an all too common factor of our busy modern lives. And while a small amount can be a motivating force that brings out the best in us. Persistent levels of high stress should not be considered something we should just get on with.

The health consequences that result from a high stress lifestyle are all too real and range from depression to heart disease and diabetes.

So what are we to do when find ourselves in a high stress at work?

You find ways to mitigate and manage stress. Here are some stress management techniques you can try if you are finding your work stressful.

Start your day off right

Sounds like a breakfast cereal ad right? Let’s explore.

What does your morning look like? Is it a mad dash to get kids to school, a tedious commute or bus ride. Do you eat a healthy breakfast or gulp your coffee and go?

These things alone don’t seem like much, but the fact is a stressful morning will make you more reactive to stress at work.

As the saying goes ‘ A great morning, starts the night before’.  When you prepare ahead for morning, and start your day with good fuel and a positive attitude, you will be surprised how the days annoyances roll off your back more easily.

You can even introduce some more rewards and habits to your morning routine. Wake a little earlier and spend 10 minutes doing something you find relaxing like reading a book, yoga, listen to some music or stretch your legs.

Be clear on work requirements

A known contributing factor of job burnout is unclear requirements for employees. If the requirements of your role keep changing with little notice, you might become extremely stressed.

If you find yourself constantly pulled between tasks and responsibilities that hinder your ability to do your job effectively, it may help to have a talk with your manager. More often than not these situations are can be resolved by a conversation to discuss strategies and establish clear expectations. By taking time to address the issues as they happen you can stop problems mounting over time and improve you work life dramatically.

Get organised

Basic planning and organisation can greatly decrease your stress at work. Set definitive times for work tasks and breaks and stick to them as much as possible. While rushing on ahead with tasks may seem like a win now, the inevitable stress and exhaustion will kick your butt later.

Avoiding the negative effects by respecting your need for rest and work.

Stay away from unnecessary conflict

Conflict among co-workers can be difficult to escape, but it’s a good idea to stay clear of it as much as you can. Workplace gossip and negativity steal energy and focus and only add to stress.

When possible, try to avoid people who don’t work well with others. If conflict finds you, make sure you know how to handle it appropriately.

Manage your work environment

Did you know that physical discomfort is another common source of workplace stress. Most often related to where you perform most of your daily tasks such as that chair that you live in at work.

Make sure it’s comfortable or take steps to make it so. Even small things like office noise, bad lighting and clutter can be distracting and cause feelings of low level anxiety.

Do what you can to create a quiet, comfortable workspace.

At lunchtime, take a walk

One of the top ways to combat the physical and mental effects of work stress is to simply get some exercise on your lunch break. Even a short walk down the high street or to the park can help you blow off steam, lift your mood and improve your motivation for the afternoon.

Focus on one task at a time

Instead of multitasking aim to systematically work through your tasks, starting with the highest priority. Trying to juggle too many tasks at once, leads to mistakes or simple burns you out.  You may find that your results are better and you’ll be much less stressed at work.

Listen to music on the way home

Similarly to the lunchtime walk, listening to music can be an effective way to relieve stress.  After a long day, turn the music up and help yourself unwind and put the day behind you.

Stress is real, but it’s in your hands to change it’s toll on you. There are a million resources and people out there that can help you take proactive steps, so share the weight, you will be surprised just how many people feel the same.