It’s obvious that we live in a complicated world full of technological advances. Gone are the simple years of yesterday when people woke with the sun, worked all day, and slept at night. With technology and the conveniences of modern life, we live in a stressful and complicated world. Additionally, our workplace has become an area full of technology and greater demands for productivity. This places huge amounts of stress upon the average worker in the workplace.
All of this has contributed greatly to the stress that individuals experience in their lives and specifically stress in the workplace. It is important to note that stress can be a significant detriment to the well-being of individuals and families. Therefore, it is critical that stress be relieved. Also, stress in the workplace actually decreases productivity and profitability. So, reducing stress in the workplace should be high on any employer’s list of improvements.
There are certain workplace stress relief tips that can and should be followed. These specific workplace stress relief tips can be divided into two categories. The first category is through the implementation of practical suggestions and the second category is through a change in attitude.
Practical Suggestions for Reducing Stress in the Workplace
There are many physical symptoms that are associated with increased levels of stress. Those symptoms include tension headaches, muscle ache, upset stomach, etc. At the first sign of these symptoms it is important to put into practice some practical workplace stress relief tips.
One of those practical tips it is to take a mini stress relieving vacation. You can do this in your office or workstation. First of all, it is important that you are not disturbed. This can be accomplished by hitting the do not disturb button on the phone or turning the phone off. In addition put a do not disturb sign on the door leading into your office.
Once this has been accomplished then simply close your eyes and allow your mind to fix on a favorite vacation spot or dream area that compels you. If you are permitted, put on some headphones with some music you find soothing. In addition, concentrate on your breathing. Any thoughts that bombard your mind should be acknowledged and quickly let go. Also, take into account your body and how it is feeling. For example, if you realize that your neck or the muscles of the shoulders are tense release that tension through your breathing.
Finally, focus on a mantra. This mantra can be affirmations of being stress free or can be a mantra that simply calls your mind to dwell on higher thoughts.
A workplace stress relief tip for those individuals who do not have offices is to take a walk. If there is a park nearby or garden area take advantage of the stress relieving power of communing with nature. This action will help to reduce stress through this nature communing process and through exercising.
Change Your Attitude About Workplace Stress
An additional workplace stress relief tip is through an attitude change. This can be accomplished by thinking about stress situations differently.
Rather than hanging on to the stress of the day, share your stress with others. This can be done in an enjoyable manner in that a group of people will share their stresses of the day, within reason, and try to out do the others. Often this type of session will end up in laughter as people try to embellish their stressful situations.
Also, another workplace stress relief tip is to try to find the good in every situation. For example, if a co-worker is especially annoying think to yourself about one good quality that they may have. If you can identify that quality reward yourself with an enjoyable treat.
So if you find yourself stressed at work, you must take immediate action to let go of that stress. Find a quiet place to get away to and just let go of the stress. Relax, listen to music, and concentrate on your breathing. These techniques will help you let go of your workplace stress. Lastly, change your attitude about your stress. Remember, this is only a job and your life and health are much more important than any job.
