In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to succeed is on at all times. As a result, stress levels in the workplace are high. This is especially true for employees who work in highly demanding roles that require long hours and constant visibility to the company owner or board of directors. Employees who spend their day wrestling with stressful situations often find it difficult to switch off once they leave the office.

Stress can have a negative impact on personal relationships, physical health, and even professional performance when left unchecked. If you work in an environment that frequently produces stressors, take steps to reduce stress at work.

Implementing programs and activities that reduce stress will not only help you feel better about yourself but also improve your performance and longevity with the organization.

So, here are five tips to overcome stress in the workplace.

1. Know Your Battles

Before you worry about reducing stress at work, you must first determine which stresses are worth fighting. Not all stressors are created equal, and it’s important to understand the difference between what you can control and what you cannot.

As an employee, you have limited control over many aspects of your job. You cannot control business conditions, the availability of resources, or the actions of your colleagues. However, you can control how you react to these stressors and determine whether they are worth your time and energy.

For example, your company may be experiencing financial hardship and struggling to stay afloat. You may have many questions about your future with the organization as a result and find yourself stressed as a result. While this is a valid reaction, this stressor may not be worth your time and energy.

2. Create a Ritual

Humans rely on rituals to reduce stress and increase productivity in almost every aspect of their lives. Rituals help us transition from one segment of our lives to the next, such as getting ready for work or preparing for bed. They also help us regulate our daily habits, such as eating and drinking water at certain times or reading before bed.

Creating a daily or weekly ritual can help reduce stress and improve your work output. Rituals that promote positive thinking and reduce the amount of energy spent on negative thoughts can help you manage stress at work. For example, you can create a morning ritual to help you transition from sleep to work. This ritual can include waking up early to do yoga or meditation, taking a walk, or reading a book.

3. Go for Exercise

Physical activity combats anxiety and depression, improves sleep, and promotes a positive outlook. As a result, exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress in the workplace and improve your overall well-being.

Studies suggest that getting your heart rate up between three and five times per week will improve your mood and lower stress levels. You can choose any activity you enjoy, but aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, or cycling will have the biggest impact on reducing stress.

4. Take Breaks and Rest

Many employees work long hours and perform above and beyond what is required of them. The problem with this is that long hours can lead to stress, fatigue, and reduced productivity.

Make sure to take breaks during your workday and allow your employees the same courtesy. Implement a break policy that encourages employees to take five or 10 minutes each hour to relax and unwind. Breaks can include any activity that helps your employees relax, such as walking around the building, watching social media videos, stretching, creating art, or taking a 10-minute coffee break.

5. Practice Yoga

A good evening ritual can help you transition out of work mode and ease the transition into a restful night of sleep. An evening ritual can include any type of relaxing activity, such as practicing yoga, reading a book, listening to music, or taking a bath.

Practicing yoga or meditation before bed can also be a helpful way to reduce stress before falling asleep. Implementing a morning and evening ritual will reduce your stress levels while improving your overall quality of life. You’ll find yourself feeling more relaxed and prepared for the day and a better-rested individual at the end of the workday.

Conclusion

The workplace is supposed to be a place of productivity and growth, not a place where employees dread going each day. However, many people find themselves stressed on a routine basis due to work-related issues.

If you’re someone who struggles with stress at work, implement these five tips to reduce stress at work and improve productivity. Take control of your work life, and you’ll soon find yourself relaxed and happy as a result.

About the Author:

Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning explainer video production company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).

Twitter: @breadnbeyond

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Andre Oentoro