How to Beat Workplace Stress (Part I)

People in many professions work well over the usual 40 hour work week and end up bringing workplace stress home with them. Stress is a negative reaction to overwhelming pressures placed on people. Fighting this stress is a personal goal, because most companies do not have the resources to focus on the personal health of their workers. Reducing work stress usually happens through a series of changes both during the work day and at home. Try incorporating 1 or more of the steps into your routine each week and you may find yourself happier at work and at home.

Method 1 Stress Relief at Work

1) Start your day early. Many inspirational speakers and life coaches believe that the key to success in work is starting early rather than staying late. When you arrive early for work, you have fewer people to distract you from your tasks, and you may find that you are productive and less tense.

2) Create realistic goals. Surveys show that protectionism is a high goal amongst professional women and managers. Lowering your expectations to small sets of reasonable goals will lower the anxiety that comes from not achieving a high, unattainable goal.(One of the keys to meting out perfectionism is understanding that mistakes are common. They can also have positive consequences, allowing you to change your course of action before it is too late. Recognize your mistakes and learn from them, instead of denying them.)

3) Use a to-do list or calendar to simplify your goals. Each person works slightly differently, but each worker can also learn to prioritize the main workplace goals from the things that can be done in time. Use a calendar, a pen and pad, an organizer, a pocket calendar, or anything that will help to get the stress out of your head and organized in a simplified manner.

4) Avoid gossip and complaints. Voicing occasional grievances and annoyances can cause a negative, stressful attitude in the workplace. If you work with people who do this often, try to abstain.(By avoiding constant complaining, you may be more aware of major grievances. You should take the time to talk with your superiors about unrealistic goals, victimization at work, unfair work practices or salary questions, when necessary. Learn to separate the problems that can be solved and those general annoyances that have little effect on how you conduct your life.)

5) Take breaks at work. Sitting for hours on end in an office chair has not only been shown to increase stress, but it can also cause chronic back pain, carpal tunnel, eye strain and more. Remove these health stressors by getting up from your desk every half an hour.

6) Take a lunch break. Get out of the office every day for at least 30 minutes. Get some sunlight, if possible, or take a walk - whatever you find gives you the best stress relief.

7) Take regular vacations. Vacation time is built into most companies so that you can relieve stress caused by work. Although you may find you want to stay longer, the change will help to revive and relieve workplace tension.

Source: www.wikihow.com