No matter what your job is, whether you love or loathe it, you probably will have experienced work-related stress.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2017/2018, 595,000 people in the UK reported work-related stress at a level they felt was making them ill. That was a total of 40% of all work-related illnesses.
There may be times you have multiple deadlines, important meetings or presentations. All of these elements can add pressure to your workday, leaving you feeling stressed.
However, work stress can become long-term, with hours getting longer and deadlines getting tighter. This can leave you feeling anxious, drained and overwhelmed. It is essential that you take steps to manage your stress levels before it reaches this stage.
Here are 10 top tips on how to stay stress-free at work…
1. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Having a work-life balance is vital for your overall health and well-being. Aim to work smarter, not longer, by prioritising tasks and focusing on quality, not quantity. Know when to switch off for the day and relax, rather than thinking about work.
2. Take Breaks On time
Do not work through your breaks and lunch, or cut them short. Taking your breaks is imperative for your personal well-being and will help lighten a heavy workload. You will feel refreshed afterwards and be able to refocus on your work.
3. Do Not Suffer in Silence
If your workload is increasing and you are already struggling, speak to your manager. It is essential to discuss the tasks you have, how long they take to complete, and the resources they require. Any challenges you are facing should be brought to our attention, and you are welcome to put forward any suggestions for a solution.
4. Set Clear Boundaries
Setting boundaries and disconnecting from work can help improve your mental, emotional, and physical health. To help beat the stress, avoid the following: checking your work email or phone outside of work, taking work home, or working longer than your contracted working hours. Doing this will cause you to burn out and will trigger more stress.
5. Take Care of Yourself
When you have a lot of work to do, it can be easy to neglect your physical health. However, during stressful periods, it is even more crucial to take care of your health. A nutritious diet and regular exercise will boost your energy and improve your mood.
6. Get Enough Sleep
A good night’s sleep will help with your productivity, creativity, problem-solving skills and overall ability to focus. The more z’s you catch, the better you will be able to tackle your job and deal with the stresses of your workplace.
7. Spend Time On Your Hobbies
Life comes with plenty of stresses, not just those related to work. This can lead you to neglect the hobbies you once loved. Whether you enjoy playing a musical instrument, taking yoga classes or painting. When you have something to look forward to, it can help uplift your mood.
8. Learn To Say No
Do not be tempted to take on more work to win praise from your manager. By overworking yourself, you may end up resenting your job. Recognise what your capabilities are and be aware of the time you have to complete tasks.
9. Limit Your Caffeine Intake
Rather than drinking copious cups of coffee, opt to have chamomile tea instead. Chamomile tea helps to relieve stress due to its calming properties. It also promotes muscle relaxation and can improve the quality of your sleep.
10. De-clutter Your Desk
Having an organised working environment will help you feel more in control. If your desk is filled with clutter, it won't help alleviate your stress levels. At the end of your working day, always dispose of unnecessary paperwork, stationery, and clean out your drawers. When you come into work the next morning, your desk will be nice and clear. Hopefully, it will make you feel more ready to tackle the day ahead.
Remember, if you're overwhelmed with stress, it may be best to take time off. Allow yourself time to recuperate so you can return to work feeling fully recharged.
