Tips on how to reduce workplace stress

The modern workplace puts more and more demands on workers, from hectic daily meetings to countless emails and phone calls throughout the day. The downside of this is that many employees can become overwhelmed and stress can start to take over.

We all know that happiness is key to workplace harmony and productivity for all employees and certain professions will inevitably come with a certain degree of stress normally through the responsibilities of the job. It is important to note that most people are able to tolerate small levels of stress, but it is when these 'acceptable' levels begin to rise that employees can struggle to keep stress manageable. The adverse effect of this can be on workers health and emotional wellbeing. Below we have listed some of the best coping strategies that employees can incorporate into their working schedule.

Keep your workstation clutter free

A cluttered desk space is a cluttered mind, so to avoid stressing yourself out from looking for important files that are buried under mountains of paperwork, clear away all of the unnecessary documents that could cause you to worry and implement a logical filling system so you can find them when needed.

Keep a clear distinction between home and work

Sometimes workplace stress can arise when individuals bring issues from the home into the workplace. Try to keep matters of the home separate so they do not affect your productivity. If you are finding it hard to concentrate due to more serious matters such as family illness then try talking to a professional that is able to give expert personal coaching. Perhaps you could even talk to a work colleague if you are comfortable, as the saying goes 'a problem shared is a problem halved'.

Remember to give yourself 'down time'

We have all been there, you feel the stress levels building up, you are struggling to keep focus on even the simplest tasks and the smallest of things are making you agitated. In this instance the best thing for you to do is to leave the situation that is causing you to feel this way. So step away from your desk and if you can and get some fresh air for around five minutes. While it is not always possible to come away from certain situations altogether, some simple breathing exercises can be achieved simply while sitting at your desk. One tip if you are feeling overwhelmed is to take in a deep breath, and hold it for around 5 seconds and then to exhale slowly through your nose for roughly the same time.

Make sure you get enough sleep

Adequate sleep refreshes both the body and mind, and getting enough sleep is crucial in order for you to be able to approach the next full working day in a positive frame of mind. Lack of sleep will affect your concentration levels and will make you more irritable and less able to handle issues that could be dealt with easily in a relaxed mood. Try switching off any electronic distractions that could prevent you from getting a good night sleep like your mobile or laptop, you do not need to check your emails at 11pm at night. Also avoid eating a heavy meal late and drinking caffeine.

Change your thinking

Certain people approach pressure differently and no two people respond and deal with stress the same way. We always say that there is no point in concerning yourself with events outside of your control. So perhaps you are running late for work or a meeting due to traffic, don't trouble yourself ring ahead and tell the office of your predicament. Many people would say that it is only human nature to worry, and many of the things we concern and unfortunately take up much of our time worrying about need not.