Managing stress at work is easier said than done. After all, in many work environments, noise, demands and tight deadlines can be overwhelming, and the resulting physical and emotional stress can be detrimental to both morale and overall health.
Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness: it is a state of well-being . Workplace stress has a direct impact on mental health, and while it may seem impossible to manage it effectively, it becomes easier once the right strategies are in place.
Tips for managing stress at work
You may need to devote time and energy to finding a stress reduction solution that suits your schedule and personality. Here are some ideas that will help you react better when your work is challenging your ability to be calm and balanced.
Don’t give yourself too much
Avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings and, if possible, book one day a week without meetings. This break can help you gather your thoughts and regain your focus. If you are overwhelmed, consider delegating tasks – many people are very happy to help others.
Schedule regular breaks
Sitting at your desk all day can affect your interactions, variety of tasks and creativity, all of which contribute to your physical and mental well-being. Remember to get up from your chair and leave your work aside for a walk or coffee break. Even a short break can allow you to be more focused, satisfied and productive.
Be on the move
A healthy mind in a healthy body: it is proven that practice of a physical activity helps to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, especially through the production of endorphins, a natural painkiller. This hormone not only reduces stress, but also helps to sleep well.
Sleep at least seven hours a night.
Excess stress can cause anxiety and deprive you of a good night’s sleep, which can lead to other health problems like depression. Just like children, adults should choose a time to go to bed, and respect it every night.
Meditate
Learning to live in the present moment can lead you to experience less stress every day. Meditation – According to the Canadian Mental Health Association can help you cultivate this mentality by getting rid of the excess information that accumulates throughout the day and worries your mind. Take a few minutes a day to let go of your unwanted thoughts. Here are some meditation tips to get started.
Laugh often
If you can’t laugh at least once during the day, you take life far too seriously. Sometimes you need to actively develop a lighter perspective of life, but the efforts are worth it. Laughter not only helps you feel good, but it also releases a cocktail of substances that promote good mood (serotonin, endorphins, natural killer cells) and give a boost to your immune system to fight the diseases that can come from stress.
Sources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-deal-with-stress-at-work-3145273
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-handle-stress-at-work-2019041716436
https://www.healthline.com/health/work-stress#manage-your-time