We all fall victim to work stress from time to time, but if it is affecting your productivity and your daily life on a frequent basis, it may be time to take a step back and realize that this isn’t something to be ignored.
Stress is a silent killer and one that offers little to no signs, until it’s too late. It affects both our physical and mental health and wellbeing, as well as those around us, so it is very important to practice a healthy way of living to maintain balance.
We all put massive pressure on ourselves to achieve and succeed, and with the added pressures of life outside of work, friends, family, social events etc, it’s no wonder that 30-40% of people identify as being extremely stressed at work.
We’ve compiled a list of six quick tips to help you beat stress and help you keep on top of your life:
Mornings can be stressful enough – from busy commutes to hectic school runs, catching up on emails, the seemingly endless depression of the news of the world, skipping breakfast and spilling coffee – by the time you reach the office stress levels are already high. Try and keep your mornings simple, and to plan. Ensure you have everything you need prepared the night before so you’re not rushing around in the morning.
Even if you’re naturally disorganised, planning ahead to stay organised can greatly decrease stress at work. If you don’t know exactly what’s expected of you during the day, or if the requirements keep changing with little notice, you may find yourself much more stressed than necessary. By prioritising and planning carefully you can tackle each task in your own time, which will help you feel more in control.
Studies have shown that those who maintain good hydration have improved alertness, better concentration, and overall enhanced cognitive performance compared with those who are dehydrated. Therefore, staying hydrated is one of the most important things to help combat stress. If you eat healthy food and keep on top of your water intake at regular intervals your mind is more likely to stay alert. You should be aiming to drink around 2-3 litres of fluid a day.
Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally help you feel good; it’s also great for helping your mind feel fresher and more focused. Try to get regular exercise throughout the week. This doesn’t have to be a gigantic task, like training for the next marathon, just a light bit of exercise for 20-30 minutes, three times a week, will make the world of difference.
A healthy work life balance is key to reducing stress levels at work. Turn off your emails and work phone in the evening and enjoy your time away from the office. This way, when you return you will be truly refreshed and more productive while at work. Basically, leave work at work and if your personal life is as important to you as your career, perhaps you should be thinking about choosing your next position based on what work/life balance it allows.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out it always makes a difference if you talk about it. Whether you do this inside or outside of work, to colleagues, friends or family – it’s very important to release the tension you have built up, and vocalising your stresses may even help you see a way through some problems you may be facing.
As a really great, fun and easy little stress buster, looking at pictures of cute animals is scientifically proven to help ease stress and re-balance emotions!
If you’re looking to make a move in your career, contact 19 London and let us guide you through the next stages, from start to finish!