The best ways to deal with work stress

Stress in the workplace is almost inevitable. Whether you’re in a job that you enjoy or not, you will experience stress at one point or another. Every job comes with its own difficulties and pressures. Stress if not dealt with could even affect you physically, by causing you to get ill. If you’re experiencing stress at work, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to deal with it and feel more at ease.

Start your day on a positive note

How you start your day can have a ripple effect. If your stress levels are high before you’ve even arrived at work, it’s highly unlikely to reduce after a full demanding business day. Try to have a good, healthy, and hearty breakfast to help with your energy levels. Everyone knows that when hunger strikes, you’re more susceptible to emotional outbursts and lack of patience. A full tummy and a positive attitude will definitely help your state of mind throughout your workday.

Let go of what you cannot control

Often times, we feel stress when we are in situations that are out of our control. Try not to let those situations determine your reaction. When you’re faced with stressful situations, it activates the stress hormone and results in loss of confidence, concentration, and affects your mood. Identifying what you can and cannot control will be very helpful in avoiding such stress. Concentrate on that which comes from you, put your best foot forward and let go of the rest. Stay away from conflict wherever possible. Avoid people that are generally negative, and do not entertain gossip as they may lead to unnecessary conflict.

Deep breaths

There’s a reason why there are many disciplines that focus on breathing techniques as a means of pain management, de-stressing, and even controlling your emotions. When feeling stressed or anxious, you tend to take short, quick, and shallow breaths. This, in turn, can actually make you feel even more stressed because your heart starts racing and you may even experience dizziness. On the other hand, taking deep, long breaths has a physiological effect on the nervous system, which inhibits the stress-producing hormones and hence triggers a relaxation response in the body.

Be organized and plan your day

If you plan your day, you know what to expect, and this, in turn, can prevent unforeseen stresses. By organizing your time and workspace, you will find that you won’t rush around to get things done, you can avoid clutter and be more efficient as a result. You will be surprised how something as small as an uncomfortable chair can also affect your stress levels. If you’re spending hours on it, it can cause backache, which in turn can cause you stress. Make a plan to either speak to your boss and request a more suitable chair, or even bring your own. At the end of the day, you want to be more productive and get the most out of your workday.

Following these simple tips will assist you in better handling everyday stress at work. They may not eliminate the stress itself, but they are merely a tool to help you deal with it in a more effective manner. And in so doing, it will help your productivity and overall well-being. So let go, take a deep breath, and let’s tackle what today brings.