Job stress is often a significant problem. With the recession, work hours are getting longer and workers are seeing their friends laid off which makes them worry about their own job stability. Taking charge of releasing stress throughout the work day is an important priority. Finding time to meditate, share a joke with a work friend, or take a walk at lunch is very important to overall health and peace of mind. Be proactive to release stress, which will boost morale, work productivity, creativity and optimize health.
Step 1
Maintain a positive attitude and maintain your boundaries at work. Keep a positive demeanor at work. Spread joy not gloom. Acting cheerful even when you do not feel it keeps the morale up. Also, do not let others overstep your boundaries at work. Do not let co-workers dump their work on you. Make it clear that you work hard and expect to be treated in a fair manner.
Step 2
Keep the office free of clutter. Be a minimalist at work. Serenity thrives in a calm, clean, and well-organized work space. Take some time each day to clear out paperwork you are done with and to clear off the desk so only priority work is on the desktop.
Step 3
Put reminders of your life goals throughout your work space. A photo of a place you long to vacation at may be a great stress relief. Focusing on a specific goal of a future vacation is a fun way to stop dwelling on stress at work and start imagining pleasure. Place a picture of your spouse or family on your desk to remind you of your key priorities in life.
Step 4
Keep a gratitude journal. Writing helps to eliminate stress. Thus a journal to write about events, people, and things that elicit gratitude is a great way to calm the mind. The journal does not have to mention work; just writing about life overall is a stress relief that will carry over into the work hours and help to ensure a calm and efficient day.
Step 5
Avoid the toxic people at work. Every company has a few people who are toxic to others due to their gossip, competitiveness, lying or other evil behavior. Limit your interaction with people who seem to be toxic. Life is easier when not part of someone's Machiavellian antics at work.
Step 6
Get outside for a walk during the lunch hour. Fresh air is energizing. Also, exercise, whether a casual stroll or a vigorous walk, helps calm the mind and relieve the body of stress and toxins. Exercise lowers levels of cortisol (the stress hormone).
Step 7
Make friends at work. Find people to hang out with who have a good sense of humor. Laughing is a superb stress relief. Share some moments at work or at lunch with people who amuse you. This will help your body and mind relax and regain a positive outlook.
Tips and Warnings
- If stress levels are high, find a few moments to meditate. Close the eyes, breathe deeply, and let the mind relax. Talk to the company about adding perks, such as flexible work hours, a gym at the work place, or discounts to museums or sports events or cultural events, to help reduce stress.
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