Tips on Staying Stress-Free at Work

Jobs can be stressful. There’s no argument there. Very few people can say they are stress-free at work. Yet, jobs are necessary for paying the mortgage, buying groceries, and getting the car fixed. So, it makes sense to understand what stress can do to oneself and how to lower its effects.

If you are not stress-free at work, there can be consequences. That boss yelling at you or that upcoming deadline or that long list of emails to go through are just a few things that are demanding and can cause havoc on your mind and body.

Stress can cause:

• Heart disease
• Lower immune system
• Lack of focus
• Depression

How to be stress-free at work

When at work, it’s important to be mindful of ways to lower stress and make you more productive.

• Know what is required by you – Talk to your boss and coworkers
• Be organized – Keep things where you can find them easily and promptly. Keep checklists and to-do lists
• Be comfortable – Be sure your station accommodates your size and weight. Be sure the equipment you use is safe and up to date
• Stay away from conflict – Avoid office gossip and complaining too much
• Forget multitasking – A thing of the past. It is impossible to be accurate and useful if you are talking on the phone while logging data into a spreadsheet
• Understand complete perfection is unachievable – Stay focused on doing the best work you can

During the day, there are ways that help you decompress and rejuvenate so you can be the most effective at work

• Take breaks every 90 minutes – The mind and body need to recharge. Sit, stand, get some water
• Take lunch away from desk or station – If you are at your desk, you are likely still working
• Take vacations – This is so important, but many neglect this.

When you leave work, it’s important to take steps of self-care even after you’ve clocked out.

• Be sure to leave work at work – Be focused on family, friends, and your health
• Take on an activity you enjoy – So your mind is focused on something other than the day at the office
• Take care of yourself – exercise, eat well, sleep well

Conclusion

At the end of the day, no one wants stress from work to take away the enjoyment of life. Work is a necessity to live well, but stressful workdays act negatively to your health and wellbeing. Follow basic rules and guidelines to eliminate stress. When you are home, pour up that glass of iced tea, sit on the porch with a friend and delight in the evening.

Bio: Denise McKee writes HR. She is founder of Hirewritings and specializes in copywriting for companies marketing to the HR/Staffing industry. When not writing about the latest HR trend on her blog, she’s hiking a trail or sitting with a friend, a glass of wine in one hand while intently listening to the stories being told.