How to Control Stress at Work
By Sara Butler
Stress is everywhere you turn, but it seems to be especially prevalent at work. While it may be impossible to stop stress in its tracks at work, you can control how you’re reacting to it. Here are a few tips to help you more effectively handle work stress so you can leave it behind when you walk out your office doors.
Uncover Triggers
The first step to controlling workplace stress is to identify the triggers. It may be something simple such as a malfunctioning computer or as complicated as meeting an important deadline. Whatever your stress trigger is, once you identify it, then you can take steps to neutralize it.
Use Vacation Time
How many hours of vacation time do you have accrued? You should work to spread out your vacation time quarterly. You need regular breaks from work to get some clarity and reconnect with friends and family -- and yourself too. Realize that there’s a greater purpose to your job and get back in touch with why you work so hard in the first place.
Take Frequent Breaks
Part of stress is physical stress and that can be caused by sitting at your desk for too long. That’s why at least once per hour you should set an alarm to remind you to get up, stretch, and walk around a bit. It’ll help to take the physical strain off your body and also can help you feel more connected to the office, not just hunkered down in your cubicle shutting the world out.
Eat Right
Another aspect of stress relief is providing your body with the nutrients it needs to work effectively and mitigate the stresses of the day. If you don’t eat right, then it’s much easier for your body to be out of balance -- and that can make your body’s fight or flight response more prominent, which is terrible for your overall health. Eat breakfast, lunch, and a healthy snack each day to keep you humming along.
Practice Stress Relief Outside Work
There’s only so much you can do at work to relieve stress, which is why when you’re not at work you need to do exercise! Exercise is a great way to work out the stress in your life and build a healthy foundation to release the stress of the day. A kickboxing class or yoga can do the trick to help you stay centered and let go of the stresses of the day.
Work can be a source of stress, but it isn't stress you can't overcome!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Durham, N.C.