Research has shown that workplace stress is one of the most detrimental factors to your health. Not only can stress lead to headaches, insomnia, weight gain, anxiety and memory loss, it can also affect your job performance. We all know that sometimes the workplace can be a stressful place, especially if deadlines are looming and your schedule is overbooked. With these four simple tips, you can easily defeat workplace stress, regain your balance and improve your well-being.
Just Breath
When you’re all worked up over a big project or a disagreement you’re having with a co-worker, it’s important to take a moment to just breath. Find a quiet place in your office, whether it’s at your desk, the lounge area or outside. Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Then focus all of your attention on your breath. Really focus on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly for a few minutes. As soon as you start getting into this breathing exercise, you’ll notice the bad thoughts in your head receding, and the stress melt away. Try practicing this simple breathing technique whenever you feel workplace stress starting to overwhelm you.
Disconnect to Beat Workplace Stress
Another great way to defeat workplace stress is to take a few moments each day to disconnect. In the fast-paced world of today, it can be difficult to find a moment in time when we aren’t either on our phone or our computer thinking about something. Even when you’re at the office, try to use your down time to relax and decompose. Leave your phone at your desk when you go for a lunch break, take a walk outside in between meetings, or just have a good chat with a friend over coffee. To defeat stress, it’s important to not think about the things that are stressing you out 24/7.
Get to the Gym
Working out is a great way to defeat workplace stress. If your office space provides a gym then you should be using it! Not only will going to the gym help you get in shape and stay healthy, it can clear your mind and de-stress you. Try making exercise a habit. Whether that means going in early to work to get a run in, staying late, or utilizing your midday break to get to the gym, figure out a schedule that works the best for you.
Carve Out Some Me-Time
One of the best ways to defeat stress and take your mind off of work is to practice some self-care. This can be done both at the office and at home. Try taking a few minutes each morning to do some yoga, read, drink tea, or whatever activities you truly enjoy. Starting your day right doing the things you love can set a great tone for the rest of the day and help you defeat that awful workplace stress.
For other helpful tips on combating workplace stress, check out our other blog post here.