10 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress at Work
In the current times, with the uncertainty as well as the major changes to our daily lives it is not unlikely that stress levels will increase both at home and work. However, this stress can be dealt with in a healthy way, that promotes harmony within the work place as well as within yourself. Below are ten ways to effectively relieve stress, not only for these uncertain times but for any time you are feeling stressed out or under pressure.
1. "Talk to your Manager"
They are however, probably the cause of your stress, so here are some alternative things you could try:
2. Talk to your Colleagues, Friends and Family after work
The support you can get from social settings is great for getting you through stressful periods. Belonging to a network of friends gives you a feeling of higher self-worth and a sense of belonging, these are feelings that will also help you feel less stressed. Spending time with friends and family members helps your body to release oxytocin which is a natural stress reliever. It has been found in previous studies that men and women with less social connections have a higher chance of suffering from depression and anxiety. So, regularly organise a meet-up with your friends or family members.
3. Learn to say No
We can’t control every aspect of our lives, and therefore we can’t control every stressor that comes along. So we need to take the aspects of our lives that we can control, the parts of our lives that we can change and that cause us stress. One way to implement this is to say ‘no’ more often, however, not for the sake of saying no. Say ‘no’ when you don’t want to do something but you feel like you should say yes, (say ‘no’ more often, not always). Sometimes we will take on more than we can handle and end up having to balance many responsibilities that can end up leaving us overwhelmed. If we start to be more aware and picky about what we decide to accept into our lives, by doing this we stop unnecessary loads which means reducing our stress levels. By saying no you can control these levels of stress and responsibilities.
4. Use your full Annual leave allocation
Everybody needs a break form work. This is the point of annual leave allocation, the opportunity to switch off and unwind. Even if you don't take a holiday abroad, you can still enjoy time off at home. Don't lose out of those precious days of annual leave.
5. Take a walk or enjoy some exercise at lunch
Although there is no magic cure to stress, exercise can help to reduce the build-up of stress and emotions that you are feeling. Being active helps to clear your mind and assists you in dealing with your stress in a calmer manner. By putting physical stress on your body, this can, in turn, result in lower mental stress levels. The more regularly you exercise the stronger the benefits are, these benefits include; lowering stress hormones, and creating feelings of competence and confidence. Regular exercise assists in lowering feelings of stress and anxiety by bettering your sleep schedule and self-image, as well as releasing endorphins and endocannabinoids.
6. Ask to see your Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. They will help you to discover the little things you can do daily to improve your way of life.
7. Prioritise Your Workload
It's time to create a list and prioritise your workload. Flipping back and forth between tasks is a sure fire way to reduce your brains energy and power store. Select one task at a time, focus on it and get it done. Each task that your complete will provide you with a boost of positivity, this in turn will help you feel good and reduce those stress levels.
8. Office Stress Toys
From fidget spinners to stress balls, these little toys can help you take your stress out on them...as opposed to venting your stress to someone at the coffee machine, which may burden them with your negativity. Basic movements from your hands can have knock on benefits in the brain, which in turn can help reduce your stress levels.
9. Office Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a form of yoga that is much gentler and can be done while sitting. You don't just have to sit there, you can also utilise poses by standing and using a chair for support. Chair yoga can improve your concentration, flexibility, and strength, all while boosting your mood. Get creative with your poses, who knows you might soon have everyone in the office copying you when they see how content and stress free you are.
10. Meditation
Meditation can be considered as a form of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation if done correctly can produce a deep state of relaxation coupled with a tranquil mind. While meditating, your goal is to focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress.
11. Stay Hydrated
Adult humans are comprised of 60% water and even our blood is 90% water. As such it seems pretty obvious as to why you should stay hydrated. Note we're not saying drink water continuously throughout the day. What we're really saying is you need to re-learn to listen to your body, it will signal to you when you need to drink, it's that simple really. Staying hydrated means your body is in a optimal state for performing it's functions, which in turn helps you deal with any stress you may be feeling.
Conclusion
Stress will affect everyone at some point in their lives. A little stress is good for you, it keeps you on your toes and can act as a motivator. However chronic stress with will have detrimental effects on your health. Make sure you are eating a good diet and if needs be you can look at using supplements such as Premium CBD Oil. So take in some of the pointers above, chill-out and de-stress.