Top Ways to Reduce Office Stress

Studies show that 40% of employees experience anxiety about work outside of the workplace. That’s an alarming amount of office stress being taken home! The negative impacts of stress are well documented, affecting everything from job performance to health to relationships.

Be Proactive

Sometimes the source of stress can be that you don’t feel like you’re in control of the situation. And, that may be true in some cases. But focusing on the things you can control can go a long way to ease your mind. Make a list of circumstances you can change, and be proactive in those areas. If you are distracted a lot during the day because you are interrupted by coworkers, you may need to find a way to shut the door, turn off your phone, or actually move to a quiet area while you complete a task.

Take a Breather (or Walk)

Sometimes you just need to take a break. It sounds counter-intuitive, but a quick break during a long work session will re-energize you and improve your focus. There are plenty of ways to take 15 minutes and change your mindset. Take a brisk walk outside, do some office exercises or stretches, or even just put on some tunes and zone out.

Check Your Diet and Sleep Habits

Diet plays a huge role in our mental health as well as physical health. Ensuring you’re eating a well-balanced diet means you have the nutrients you need to help manage your stress levels. Plus, certain foods can boost your productivity which can also alleviate stress. Quality sleep is also crucial to your ability to manage stress, so it’s important to address any other issues which are keeping you from being well rested. Stick to a bed time and minimize screen time at least an hour beforehand.

These are just some simple ways you can help manage the mental load of a stressful job. By consistently practicing stress relieving techniques, you should see an overall decrease in those overwhelming, anxious feelings.