Stress can be a challenge to overcome, especially when you're faced with a deadline, a change in the office, or other stressful situations at work. But, there are some things you can do to help reduce the symptoms and keep your sanity.
Here are some tips and hacks to beat stress at work:
1. Take regular breaks
Taking a break has been proven to help reduce stress and improve focus, so take a few minutes to stretch your legs or get some fresh air.
2. Listen to music
Listening to music has been shown to reduce stress significantly. Music releases endorphins which can make you feel happier and less stressed, so turn up the volume on your favorite song and let it help you relax.
3. Make time for lunch breaks with friends
Lunch breaks are great opportunities to get away from your desk and chat with friends about anything but work. This will allow you to put aside any stressful thoughts while keeping your mind off of work for at least an hour.
4. Drink more water
Drinking plenty of water may seem like an easy way to keep yourself hydrated at all times (which is definitely important), but it also has many other benefits as well! Drinking more water can help reduce anxiety and relieve symptoms of depression, which helps lower stress levels overall!
5. Go for a walk
Walking can help you clear your head improve your mood and even boost creativity. A quick walk around the block or office will do the trick. Even better, try taking a break to go for a walk at lunchtime or after work. You'll benefit from the fresh air and sunshine and it might help you sleep better that night too!
6. Learn how to say no
This is one of the best ways to reduce stress at work. If you find yourself saying yes to every request that comes your way, it's time to learn how to say no without feeling guilty. This will help you feel in control of your time and your schedule.
7. Set boundaries with coworkers and managers
If your boss is always asking for favors or putting in extra time at the office, it may be time to set some boundaries with them. Remember, you don't have to commit yourself 100 percent of the time to your coworkers and managers. Set boundaries so that you're able to say no when someone asks for more from you than they should be asking for.
8. Healthy snacks throughout the day
Research shows that eating healthy snacks can help reduce stress levels. This is because certain foods release feel-good hormones called endorphins, which help relieve pain and boost mood. Some examples include apples or other fruits with peanut butter; nuts; dark chocolate; yogurt with berries; and seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower.
Final words
It can be hard to combat stress at work. Some of these tips and hacks may sound like common sense, but you'd be surprised how many people don't practice them in daily life, let alone when they're facing deadlines. The best thing we can do is take an active role in our own health and well-being, and keep a positive mind about stressful situations. It's all about embracing the situation, not running away from it.
Now, of course, stress is "okay" only up to a certain point. If you're constantly stressed and it's impacting other aspects of your life, you should consider seeking counseling services. An expert can arm you with the right tools and techniques on how to minimize and manage your stress. They can guide you in the right direction, ensuring your efforts to manage stress aren't just guesses but instead are evidence-based measures that show definite and quick outcomes. So, connect with a counselor and get their professional help.