Author - Good Health
Most of us spend more waking hours at work than at home, and so it is vital that your workplace is a place you go to achieve your goals and do what you love. Some work stressors are normal, however excessive stress can interfere with your health and wellbeing. Your ability to control stressors influence all aspects of your life; Whatever your work demands, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from the damaging effects of stress and improve your wellbeing.
1. Don’t be afraid to say no
It is a natural feeling to want to help others and to go the extra-mile, however taking on more tasks than you can handle will only lead to unnecessary stress. It may take some practise, however learning to say no will ensure you are focussed on the task at hand and you may find yourself producing some of your best work yet.
2. Make your workspace work for you
Gain control by prioritising and organising your workspace. Clutter creates a sense of disorganisation and that causes your body to produce stress hormones. Keeping your workspace clutter free makes it easier to focus, and adding a personal touch such as a photo of friends or family will both calm and comfort you.
TIP: Create a daily to do list with high-priority tasks first; if you have something unpleasant to do, getting it done first will ensure the rest of your day is more pleasant.
3. Never be late again
Running late in the mornings or to a meeting is never fun; not only does it look bad but it causes unnecessary stress. By allowing 10 minutes (to arrive early to work or to meetings) you won’t be rushed and can ease into each task at hand. This is an easy tool to set in place and will instantly create a relaxed environment.
4. Establish workplace boundaries
It is easy to feel pressured to be available 24 hours a day. To be your best however, you must allow time for your mind and body to recover. Everyone blends their work and home lives differently, however creating boundaries will reduce conflict and the stress that goes with it. Whether it is not answering your phone during dinner, or not checking emails when you are with your kids, simple boundaries will ensure you feel invigorated when you go back to work the next day. If you find it hard to wind down after a long day, swap your evening drink for a cup of Deep Sleep Night Cap, a delicious malt, butterscotch and vanilla drink that promotes relaxation especially during times of stress.
5. Surround yourself with positive people
Surrounding yourself with positive people will inspire a sense of energy and fulfilment. Instead of spending your breaks looking at your phone screen, spend it engaging with positive colleagues. This will not only decrease your screen time, but by sharing thoughts and feeling, you can reduce stress and find a new point of view.
6. Keep things in perspective
Always remember that your health is the most important thing you possess. Ask yourself, is what you are getting stressed over worth losing your health? In times of stress, focussing on a simple activity like breathing will allow you to relax and refocus. The skill of focusing on one activity will get stronger with practise and will lead to a sense of control in other areas of your life. If you feel like you need additional support to centre yourself B Stress Free is a one-a-day formula that has a calming effect on the mind and body.
Simple Breathing Technique: Take a deep breath through your nose to a mental count of 4, hold for a count of 7 and breath out through your mouth for a count of 8. Inhale again, repeat and be stress free.
7. Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live
When we are busy, we often compromise other parts of our life; It is easy to skip the gym and get take-out if you have had a long day at work; however, cutting corners will only harm you in the long term. Ensure you get enough sleep (at least 8 hours), eat nutrient dense food and exercise regularly. These three factors will make a difference to your overall health and wellbeing; increasing your mood, energy, and ability to deal with stress. If you are finding it hard to get back into routine, High 5HTP 100mg, may help to support your wellbeing as well as your eating and sleeping habits.
8. Let off steam
Whether it is exercising, or finding an area where you can scream, it is important to find a way to get rid of pent up energy and frustration. Exercise is both a mentally and physically healthy way to let off steam; if done before work it can set you up for a productive day; after work, exercise can clear your mind and ensure you leave stressors at the workplace. Try walking or running to or from work, or taking a pilates or yoga class to expel energy and find you inner peace.
9. Have FUN
Although you have responsibilities, you can still have fun in the workplace. Be mindful of each situation, but ensure you are enjoying yourself each day. Staying positive and being able to laugh (especially when something hasn’t gone your way) naturally relives stress by increasing endorphins. You will not only be viewed as a positive and fun person to be around, but this can have a positive impact on your health; meaning less days off sick.
10. Take an objective look at your work – Are you happy?
Stress often results from dissatisfaction, if you find that each day you are dreading going to work maybe you need to re-evaluate your choices. Work should give you a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment; your pay-check should be a bonus. Lowering work related stress is simple to do once you know how. Decrease stress and increase you job satisfaction, this will lead to a happy and healthy outlook that spills into all aspects of life.
