We are all stressed. Let’s face it, whether you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s or 50s, stress is your daily companion. One that just doesn’t want to leave your side. With looming deadlines and the constant competition in the work place, stress levels are rising daily.
The word “stressed” is used loosely these days, but the issue of stress is quite serious. In extreme cases stress can also kill. Constant stress can lead to heart disease and other health problems and it is known to cause a range of mental illnesses as well.
The question of how to deal with ever-increasing stress is always on our minds. Taking a break, a vacation with your loved ones, spending time doing something you love, are all common answers. But how do you de-stress at work?
Our workplace is often the most anxiety-inducing place for a lot of us. The thought of your workplace alone brings to mind looming deadlines, incomplete projects and important presentations. The words “work” and “stress” often go hand-in-hand. So if you can find ways to calm yourself at work itself, it can help a lot with your overall stress management.
Here are a few tips that will help you manage stress at work.
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Decorate your workspace:
By workspace, we mean your desk, cubicle or cabin. Add personal mementos and pictures. Make it a personal space, so it doesn’t feel like a stressful place. Create a vision board with your future goals on it, something you can look at if you lose perspective.Having a quirky, personal workspace can help you de-stress within a few minutes right at your desk.
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Take a walk:
Studies have shown that taking a break from your work and taking a short walk can help you reduce stress. Get away from your desk at least once a day; take a longer route to the water cooler. Take a short walk after lunch. If it’s possible step outside and take a walk in the open air. It can help you freshen up and avoid a slump in your day.
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Meditate:
If things get super stressful, sit back and meditate. Even meditating for 5 to 10 minutes a day can help with concentration and your overall mental health. There are many apps that can help your create your own meditation plans. Even just deep breathing for 20 breaths can help calm your nerves.
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Listen to music:
Create a playlist of calming music and listen to it while you work. This can help you concentrate and break away from the stress-induced environment of the office.
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Sip on tea:
Coffee is everyone’s go to drink these days, but opt for tea instead. Teas like camomile, hibiscus and even green tea can help calm your nerves. Coffee puts you on-edge while tea has a calming effect.
Be more mindful in what you eat and try to have a more active lifestyle. Cultivate your hobbies and don’t centre your life around work. Work should be a part of your life and not the other way around. A wholesome lifestyle is the only way to combat stress.
