Reducing Stress at the Workplace
Any employer or employee within an organisation may at times feel under pressure. Although some pressure can be healthy for an organisation, this can become excessive and lead to work-related stress if not handled properly. This in return can have an impact on productivity, overall behaviour and general physical health including having difficulties in concentrating as well as affecting ones mood by becoming withdrawn, aggressive or unmotivated whilst creating anxiety.
Different people have different ways of dealing with stress, and what works with one person might not work with another. We wanted to share some tips on how one can deal with stress more effectively.
- Changing the situation
Many of us seem to put ourselves into situations that we know will ultimately cause us distress. Avoiding distressful situations means that we have to know what causes us to feel most distressed. It is helpful to spend time thinking about the things, situations and events that personally stress us. Anything that causes us to feel anxious, frightened, angry or frustrated is a potential stressor and should be included in the list.
Once we have listed the potential stressors in our lives, we can examine them objectively to see if there are any we can actively avoid and/or change. For example, if at the time you leave home from work is the worst time for traffic, consider trying to leave earlier or later if possible to avoid this issue. All of us have the power to organise our lives to minimise distress – all it takes is a little forethought and the will to do so.
- Organise yourself
One method that can help you to reduce stress at the workplace is to organise yourself and set goals for your daily tasks and responsibilities. You also need to give yourself some time to take a break, eat and rest. This also includes a dimension of your work planning by finding a good balance between work and your private life including family and social activities.
- Exercise
Increasing your level of personal fitness will do a great deal to overcome stress. This is good for your health and can be a stress reliever as well as help you increase energy, sharpen focus and relax both your mind and body. Exercise does not necessarily mean practicing a sport, but can also include going for a walk or jog a few times weekly or going for a swim.
- Maintain a balanced diet
Food can also affect your behaviour at work. Healthy eating helps you get through stressful work days. In fact, the necessary feel and support that you need for the success of your work lies in the level of sugar in your blood. This is why eating small portions throughout the day can help you during your working hours.
- Avoid cigarettes, alcohol and coffee
Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants. Excessive consumption of these substances is not recommended for people under stress because they can cause a rapid heartbeat which may create anxiety.
How we cope with stress is very much a matter of individual preference and action. One person may find that bungee jumping is a perfect tension reliever, whilst another would feel ill just at the thought.
Each of us needs to find ideas that work.
Josianne Avellino, Senior Manager
