It could be a hostile work environment. Creative
differences. Financial burdens. Promotions. Humiliating demotions. Onboarding.
Firing. A once in a lifetime risk. The situations and predicaments we find
ourselves in as employers, employees and colleagues occur to all of us in a
variety of forms and throughout different seasons. As we punch in our virtual
clocks, time begins to sucker punch our life with stress and anxiety. Knowing
how to overcome these frustrations before they overcome us is essential to
healing ourselves, interoffice relationships and even those beyond our
cubicles.
Taking proactive steps or being conscious and aware when
noticing you begin to feel your workload is preoccupying too much brain space
is the first step to unloading.
Here are a few ways to relieve stress:
Chew gum: Researchers
have conducted studies that indicate chewing gum for more than 10 minutes is
highly effective in reducing stress. Note - excessive gum chewing can cause
adverse side effects and to those listening may annoy their senses should you
smack your lips or pop bubbles.
Step away from your
screen: Not only should you ensure you feet, back, chair, keyboard and
screen are always at optimal levels when sitting at your desk, but every hour
working, try to prevent eyestrain by taking a five-minute break. Get a cup of
coffee or take a restroom break. Whatever you do, don’t check your phone or
trade one screen for another.
Listen to your
favorite playlist: Research shows that listening to soothing music like
nature sounds or melodic tunes can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Not quite your genre? Statistics also prove up-beat, fast-paced music can help
you blow off your steam. Time to plug in and meet some deadlines!
Eat up, keep up: In
the long run, skipping food because you think you don’t have time decreases
your ability to focus and ultimately slows down your productively. Whether it’s
healthy snacks between meals or indulging in a large breakfast, lunch and
dinner, ensure you stay hydrated as well.
Be grateful: You
have a job. It may not be a career. It may not be where you want to be in five
years. But you have what not everyone has. You have accomplished a lot to get
where you are and you will continue to accomplish more if you keep overcoming
stress before it overcomes you.
