Work is one of the most common influences in many adults’ lives. It can be a point of fantastic fulfillment or one of great stress and pressure. While workplace stress is a common pain point for many professionals, using the right coping mechanisms can help you alleviate a significant amount of that stress. If you are looking for quick fixes to help you manage your workday and work-related stress, here are a few things that you need to try.
Light It up
Many professionals are unaware of the importance and impact of light. While you may be asking yourself what is red light therapy, you need to understand that light can have a powerful effect on stress. Whether you have simulated light to improve your mood or step outside in the sunlight for a quick break during the day, this can work wonders.
Go For a Quick Walk
If you are looking for a quick stress-relieving technique, walking may be exactly what you were searching for. A quick break to take a stroll can immensely improve your mood, energy levels and productivity. If you are feeling bogged down by the pressures of the day, try stepping outside for a quick walk.
Get a Drink of Water
Dehydration is a common contributor to mood swings during the day. If you want to feel more balanced and at ease, you need to make sure that you are staying sufficiently hydrated. Most adults need two to three liters of water per day. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, grab yourself a refreshing glass of water and see the difference.
Balance Your Diet
When you want to thrive at work, you need to give your body the necessary fuel it needs to stay energized and engaged. To help you improve your work stress, make sure that you kick off each day with a well-balanced breakfast and fuel your body with essential nutrients all day long. Fueling your body can vastly improve your stress response and give you what you need to navigate your day.
Stop Multitasking
When workplace stress begins to pile on, it can be easy to try to squeeze as much as you can into one day. While optimal productivity is an admiral goal, it can often be muddled by multitasking. The many myths about multitasking may leave you disillusioned that this is the best way to approach your work; however, in reality, multitasking can drain your energy, make you less productive and increase your stress levels. If you want to feel better at work, you need to stop trying to do everything at once.
Set Boundaries and Know Your Limits
A common theme among stressed-out professionals is a lack of boundaries and limits. If you want to be less stressed out, you need to stop agreeing to everything. Understanding your limits can help you identify clear boundaries and help you avoid piling on more pressure. If you constantly overextend yourself, you’ll never be able to reduce your stress levels.
Connect With Colleagues and Your Supervisor
Connecting with others is a powerful tool that often goes unrecognized for its importance. Whether you connect with a coworker who can support and encourage you or discuss your stress with your supervisor, it is important to find support. You don’t need to suffer alone. Even if it is just a quick check-in, they can offer support and comfort, lessening some of that tension.
Don’t Get Wrapped Up In Drama
While office drama can be commonplace in many workplaces, it can also be a key contributor to stress and anxiety. The reality is that while this may feel exciting and sound salacious, workplace drama can feed upon itself and grow. Not to mention that this negativity can also add to your stress levels. When you hear it, walk away. You may be surprised at the difference avoiding unnecessary drama can do for your health and outlook on work.
Conclusion
While stress at work is all too common, there are plenty of ways to address it. By integrating several of these quick fixes into your day, you can have a sizable difference in your life at work.