Stress is a silent killer. It not only affects your health, but it also affects your productivity and mood in the workplace. It zaps your energy, and it can lead to a host of health problems, like anxiety, depression, stomach issues, high blood pressure, insomnia and chest pain.
“When people experience constant stress because of their jobs, they may become overwhelmed and unable to work,” says Strom & Associates.
The last thing you want is for your stress to become so overwhelming that you can no longer work. While it may not be possible to eliminate workplace stress entirely, you can take steps to reduce it.
1. Start Your Day Off on a Positive Note
Many people are stressed out before they even walk through the door to work. They scramble to make breakfast and get the kids off to school on time. By the time they get to work, they’re already feeling anxious and are much more reactive to stress.
Proper planning, a healthy breakfast and a positive attitude can go a long way in making the morning – and the rest of the day – go smoothly.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready in the morning. Getting everyone up earlier will ensure that no one is rushing and scrambling to start the day.
- Eat something healthy and energy-boosting. The right nutrition can put you in a good mood and help prevent mid-morning crashes. If you have to, make breakfast ahead of time so that you can grab it and go in the morning.
2. Build Positive Relationships with Co-Workers
There’s no denying that stress can have a negative impact on your health, but talking about that stress can help alleviate it. Forming positive relationships with your co-workers can help you get through bouts of stress, especially if you’re all having the same experience.
Friendships can also take your mind off of your stress, and will make it easier to work together to meet deadlines.
It’s never too late to start building friendships with your colleagues. You can start by putting your smartphone away during lunch and striking up conversations with your co-workers.
3. Eat Right and Stay Active
You are what you eat. And if you’re eating bad food, you’re going to feel miserable. Some foods can naturally help combat stress, while others will only make you feel tired and less motivated to tackle the problems that are stressing you out.
Healthy, energy-boosting foods include:
- Complex carbohydrates
- Dark leafy greens, like kale
- High-fiber fruits and vegetables
- Lean protein, including chicken and salmon
- Berries, including blueberries and strawberries
Staying active will also help you combat stress. Studies show that regular exercise can help improve mood for people with moderate depression. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
4. Stay Organized
Feeling overwhelmed can cause significant stress. Staying organized and on top of your deadlines can help prevent that overwhelming feeling and stress.
- Make to-do lists for each day
- Set deadlines
- Don’t multi-task
- Focus on 2-3 things maximum
- Set, clarify and prioritize goals
