subject: How To Deal With Stress At Work [print this page] Many of us find ourselves getting frazzled or stressed at work from time to time. While most of us just try to press on and count stress at work as a part of life, there is scientific evidence that indicates that the stress we experience at work could lead to fatal illnesses.
What can you do to manage your work stress before it impacts your health? First, you need to identify areas where you are stressed, and address them right away. Not only is it dangerous for your health, but it also could be impacting the quality of your work.
Here is a list of ways you can help stay calm and focused at work:
-Take breaks. It is healthy for both your mind and body to take a couple breaks during the day. This does not mean you can wander off for hours at a time in the name of avoiding stress, but you can close your eyes for a few minutes and take some breaths to refocus, go on a short walk outside and get some fresh air, or close your office door and do a few minutes of stretches or yoga. Find an easy activity that works for you and gets your mind off work for a few minutes, leaving you refreshed.
- Identify the signs that you are getting stressed. We all experience stress differently, and some people are stressed and don't even realize it. Pay attention to your mind and body and learn how it affects you before it wears you down. Some signs may include fatigue, jitters, muscle spasms, muscle aches, rapid heartbeat, depression, headaches, and nausea.
-Stay hydrated. While we are talking about stress and emotional impacts of it, it is also critical for you to take care of yourself physically, which includes drinking plenty of water. Offices are notoriously dry because of the industrial air conditioning systems. Being dehydrated puts your body under stress, so keep a bottle of water nearby and refill it often.
Avoid sodas, juices, and energy drinks at work. The sugar may give you a boost in the short-term, but the energy spike is short-lived and then your energy will bottom out leaving you feeling even worse.
-Have a system of organization and use it. While some effective people may have a messy desk, it does nothing for creating a calming environment when you're at work. Try to dedicate a few minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your desk. Consider implementing a filing system so you can keep and orderly office. Not only can it be stressful to be surrounded by a mess, but you also may miss something really important because it is buried in a pile somewhere.
In addition to keeping your desk organized, keep a to-do list at hand each day. You can add to it or take away as the day goes on, but it is gratifying to get to check things off of the list as you make progress with the tasks at hand.
When you get stressed at work, don't ignore it. Face it and address it. Follow these four steps, and you will be feeling better in no time.
