Stress – what an ugly word! But stress in the workplace is not always a negative thing; in fact, it is very commonplace and normal and can even stand as a motivating force. Of course, when stress becomes excessive, it can begin to have a detrimental effect on productivity or quality of work.
It is very true that the ability to handle stress within the workplace can be the difference between success and failure at work. How, then, can you cope with stress?
- Understand Stress
The first step to handling stress at work is to recognise that it is extremely normal and everybody experiences it somewhat regularly within his or her job role. Stress does not always have to an evil component of our lives either; stress can, quite often, keep us aware, focused, energetic and capable of overcoming challenges.
- Initiate Positive Relationships
A quick reliever of stress is to interact with someone with whom we feel comfortable; simply sharing a problem or bouncing resolution ideas from one to another can do much in the way of calming our nervous system. Thus, it is beneficial to build positive working relationships with our colleagues each day, as they will comfort us in stressful times.
- Get Moving
We’ve all heard it before – regular exercise is a powerful stress reliever, and it’s true! Particularly when stress is mounting at work, a quick stress relieving activity is to take a break, move away from your desk or the stressful environment, and take a quick walk if possible. More often than not, such activity enables one to regain balance and perspective.
- Eat Well
Minimise sugar and refined carbs, as such food will lead to a crash after a high, minimising productivity and your ability to cope with the next stressful occurrence. Food choices directly impact how you feel and cope with your work during the day; bad food choices will almost certainly lead to tiredness, irritability, anxiousness and mood swings.
- Prioritise
As tasks begin to seem overwhelming, take control by creating a balanced schedule and prioritise the tasks that lay ahead. Moreover, there is much value in making an extra effort to leave earlier in the morning and planning regular breaks; subtracting frantic rushes from your daily routine will certainly contribute to the reduction of stress.
- Break Bad Habits
Though this is the hardest of them all, breaking bad habits is the most valuable tip in reducing stress. Whether many of us realise it or not, habitual negative thoughts and/or behaviour can lead to a self-defeating attitude, allowing room for stress to get the better of us. Set realistic goals, think positively towards your own work, allow the uncontrollable to continue, and look for humour in each situation – all of these tactics place you in the strongest position for overcoming any potentially stressful situation.