By Rashun Jones RNCompany re-organizing, downsizing, mergers and productivity campaigns, the outcome: a workplace that is producing more for less. Recent studies have shown that increasing worker production is accompanied by increased worker stress. When you work in stressful environments for long periods of time, stress begins to affect your health. It is also noted that 80% of the diseases people experience are related to stress. Here are 10 tips to help you conquer stress at work.
1. Start your day in a positive manner. The first 45 minutes of your day can set the tone for the rest of your day. You can choose to have a positive or negative day. Studies have shown that a positive attitude helps reduce stress, so make a conscious decision to have a good and positive day.
2. Prioritize your work. Trying to take care of everything at once can feel over-whelming, and as a result you may not accomplish anything. Stay organized make a list of what task you have to do and complete them one at a time, check them off as they are completed. Give priority to the most important ones and do those first. Don’t make things worse by putting off work. Keep on schedule and you’ll keep from missing deadlines, which in turn can cause stress and feeling bad about yourself.
3. Schedule regular breaks. Plan to take short breaks. Most people can only maintain effective concentration for 40 minutes. Regular short breaks will help you maintain your optimal productivity. Often after a break you’ll approach problems from a different perspective. Don’t work through coffee breaks and always try to leave the office or work area to eat your lunch. Taking breaks is important for both your mental and physical freshness.
4. Be flexible. Recognize that not everything in your life will go as planned. Sometimes work related stress comes from your attitude about the natural flow of work. Don’t make problems where there are not any. Stay open minded, look for solutions that will benefit the needs of all involved, an unplanned journey can bring a new perspective, adventure or learning experience to your work day.
5. Avoid conflict. Must you always be right? Do other people upset you---particularly when they don’t do things your way? Try cooperation instead of confrontation; its better than fighting and always being right. A little give and take on both sides will reduce the stress and make both you feel more comfortable. Be flexible and try to maintain positive relationships with your colleagues.
6. Know your limits. Focus your energy on things you can control. If a problem is beyond your control and cannot be changed at the moment, don’t fight the situation. Learn to accept what is---for now ---until such time when you can change it.
7. Take care of yourself. You are special. Get enough rest and eat well. If you are irritable and tense from lack of sleep or if you are not eating correctly, you will have less ability to deal with stressful situations. If stress repeatedly keeps you from sleeping, you should ask your doctor for help.
8. Schedule regular exercise. Try to get some exercise at least once a day. A twenty-minute walk at lunchtime will not only reduce stress but could also help you live longer. Exercise slows the aging process, improves your weight and prevents various illnesses such a hypertension, heart disease and osteoporosis.
9. Home life. Try to keep your home life separate from your work life. Don’t bring work home with you if you can possibly avoid it. Have interest outside of work. Having outside interests is essential for balance and relaxation. Try getting a message or seeing a movie. Learning a foreign language or a new cooking style works too.
10. Make time for fun. Schedule time for both work and recreation. Play can be just as important to your well-being as work; you need to break from your daily routine to just relax and have fun.
1. Start your day in a positive manner. The first 45 minutes of your day can set the tone for the rest of your day. You can choose to have a positive or negative day. Studies have shown that a positive attitude helps reduce stress, so make a conscious decision to have a good and positive day.
2. Prioritize your work. Trying to take care of everything at once can feel over-whelming, and as a result you may not accomplish anything. Stay organized make a list of what task you have to do and complete them one at a time, check them off as they are completed. Give priority to the most important ones and do those first. Don’t make things worse by putting off work. Keep on schedule and you’ll keep from missing deadlines, which in turn can cause stress and feeling bad about yourself.
3. Schedule regular breaks. Plan to take short breaks. Most people can only maintain effective concentration for 40 minutes. Regular short breaks will help you maintain your optimal productivity. Often after a break you’ll approach problems from a different perspective. Don’t work through coffee breaks and always try to leave the office or work area to eat your lunch. Taking breaks is important for both your mental and physical freshness.
4. Be flexible. Recognize that not everything in your life will go as planned. Sometimes work related stress comes from your attitude about the natural flow of work. Don’t make problems where there are not any. Stay open minded, look for solutions that will benefit the needs of all involved, an unplanned journey can bring a new perspective, adventure or learning experience to your work day.
5. Avoid conflict. Must you always be right? Do other people upset you---particularly when they don’t do things your way? Try cooperation instead of confrontation; its better than fighting and always being right. A little give and take on both sides will reduce the stress and make both you feel more comfortable. Be flexible and try to maintain positive relationships with your colleagues.
6. Know your limits. Focus your energy on things you can control. If a problem is beyond your control and cannot be changed at the moment, don’t fight the situation. Learn to accept what is---for now ---until such time when you can change it.
7. Take care of yourself. You are special. Get enough rest and eat well. If you are irritable and tense from lack of sleep or if you are not eating correctly, you will have less ability to deal with stressful situations. If stress repeatedly keeps you from sleeping, you should ask your doctor for help.
8. Schedule regular exercise. Try to get some exercise at least once a day. A twenty-minute walk at lunchtime will not only reduce stress but could also help you live longer. Exercise slows the aging process, improves your weight and prevents various illnesses such a hypertension, heart disease and osteoporosis.
9. Home life. Try to keep your home life separate from your work life. Don’t bring work home with you if you can possibly avoid it. Have interest outside of work. Having outside interests is essential for balance and relaxation. Try getting a message or seeing a movie. Learning a foreign language or a new cooking style works too.
10. Make time for fun. Schedule time for both work and recreation. Play can be just as important to your well-being as work; you need to break from your daily routine to just relax and have fun.
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