These days, it feels more and more difficult to minimize your stress from work. Demanding deadlines, multiple meetings, and frustrating projects are just some of the work stressors that make you feel like quitting your job.
Especially now during the pandemic, the line we’ve drawn between work and home life has diminished. We no longer have office chit-chat with our cubicle mates, no more water cooler conversations, and no team-building activities. On top of that, we’ve brought work home without a choice, as we transcended into a work from home setup.
While things may seem too much, don’t start breaking yourself down. Many workers, both young and experienced, have difficulties managing their work-related stress, which can stress them out even more! Keep a level head and calm yourself down with our 10 ways to manage workplace stress.
1. Clean up your workspace
You’re already stressed, why add a cluttered office to the mix? Your body knows when it’s in a disorganized or filthy office, and your mind’s first reaction would be to shield yourself from all the dirt, and protect yourself from allergens and dust. You’re unknowingly using up your energy for the day, and your body is stressing out from the clutter.
A dirty office is also unhealthy, as there could be germs lying around that carry diseases, and spread bacteria and viruses, especially when someone around the office is sick. Take time to organize and clean your workplace, including your files, office desk, and chair. You’ll breathe easier, and be more focused.
On the other hand, you’ve already got a lot of things due in such a short span of time, and you may not have the time or energy to clean your office. You can always opt for office deep cleaning services to get your workplace in its best condition. Deep cleaning also gets rid of stubborn stains, dust, and allergens around the office, so you can work healthier!
2. Increase the airflow
A stuffy office isn’t a productive one, and even though you can’t see the air, you can feel when there’s poor air circulation in a room. That heavy, dark, suffocating feeling can be solved by simply opening some windows and letting that natural breeze in.
However, some high-rise offices can’t open their windows, and rely on the central air conditioner for air flow. In this case, an air purification system would be able to filter out harmful particles in the air, and provide good circulation for your office.
3. Eat accordingly
You need energy to get through the entire day. Some workaholics may see eating as a waste of time, but it is necessary for our bodies to replenish lost nutrients from stress and everyday activities. Keep a balanced diet, and supplement your nutrition with vitamins, vegetables, and fruits to keep you going despite the workload!
4. Plan your day
Sometimes, our schedules only look intimidating because an entire month’s worth of tasks is compiled in one sheet. Plan your schedule daily, and you’ll be able to manage your time better by referencing back to your calendar. By organizing your schedule, you don’t miss any important deadlines or meetings, and you’ll be able to keep track of your finished tasks as well.
5. Track your meetings
Speaking of meetings, it is important to never miss a meeting, especially when you’re making your first impression. There are multiple apps you can download to track your meetings, and make sure you don’t miss a single meeting. These apps can help you manage your schedule, and prevent you from booking multiple meetings at the same time.
6. Keep a cool head
Stress can affect us in many different ways, one being our emotions. We tend to get irritable, annoyed, and overwhelmed when we are under stress, which is understandable. However, the way you treat people while under stress is a big factor in managing your stress. While your feelings are valid, angrily yelling at your coworkers is not.
7. Take a breather
Before you get to your breaking point, take a breather to let go of all that stress. A 10-15 minute walk around the office isn’t going to put a dent in your schedule, but it will help you shake off your stress and clear your mind.
8. Find a support system
Possibly one of the most essential interactions we have are our social interactions, and finding a support group that will help you manage your time, stress, and workload can help you get rid of that overwhelming feeling. Getting support from your friends, family, and coworkers can help everyone release any stressors that may be affecting them.
9. Set aside time for your hobbies
It is important to set aside time to do the things you love. Whether you’re into crafting, cooking, spas, or gaming, set aside an hour or two of your day dedicated to your hobbies. Not only do you get to enjoy doing what you love, you tend to forget about the stress you’ve had for the day.
10. End the day with meditation
Finally, before you sleep, end the day with some calming meditation. You can meditate in conjunction with yoga, or meditate in your bed using a calming app like Headspace. Meditation clears your mind from any unnecessary stress, and readies you for a good night’s sleep – which is essential for your health!