9 Easy Ways to Relieve Stress at Work

Stress and work can be synonyms. Meeting deadlines, closing deals and coming up with the latest idea can take a toll on anyone. It is important to have control of your workload as not to disrupt your mental health. Finding ways to help relieve stress at work will not only save your sanity but could also help you be more successful in the long run. We will take a look at 9 easy ways to combat stress in the workplace while actually at work: 

1. Find a Work Routine

When work gets busy and stressful like it tends to do, finding a routine can help allieviate a lot of the pressure that you confront at the office. Something as simple as walking to get coffee then checking your favorite website before work can help reduce stress. This routine should be something that you can commit to doing every morning as soon as you walk into work. 

2. Plan for the Unexpected 

Unplanned mishaps are to be expected at work. Nothing will ever go smoothly 100% of the time and stressing out about the mistake rarely does anything to fix it. When you hit a snag at work, come up with rational ways to solve the problem. Sometimes taking a step away from your desk is your best solution. Taking a 15 minute walk outside or even going to the bathroom can provide the clear head that you need to be a rockstar problem solver. 

3. Gain Some Perspective

Of course losing a major account can be a devistating blow to both your job and your psyche but it is never the end of the world. There will be other deals and other ways to excel at your job. Taking a step back and thinking about future goals can help put things into perspective. Perhaps writing down those goals will help you gain some insight on ways to improve your performance while helping you adjust your attitude.

4. Make Sure to Stretch

Sitting at your desk for 8-9 hours straight is not only monotonous but it can also be bad for your health. Hunching over a computer all day can cause back and neck problems. During some downtime, you can try to stretch. Stretching will allow you a small break in your day while allowiing your body to recover. One exercise to try today: Stand in a doorway and hold your left arm at a 90 degree angle against the door frame. Take a step while turning your body to the right. This stretch will alleviate muscle tension in your upper back, allowing you to better hold yourself upright.

5. Exercise During Your Break

To take it one step further, exercising at work can also help to eliminate stress. Some companies offer on-site workout facilities that can be utilized during a lunch break, before or after work. For companies without one, you can do any number of activities that will get your heart rate up and your stress level down. You can take a walk, lift some light weights at your desk or even do some cardio excersises in the conference room. 

6. Socialize With Coworkers

It is easy to come to work and bury your head in your computer all day. Between meetings and deadlines, many employees find it hard to make time for themselves let alone their coworkers. Next time you have a little downtime, go around and chat with your coworkers; perhaps invite them to lunch. Having daily interactions with the people that you work with can help to lift your spirits and alleviate stress. 

7. Leave Your Lunch at Your Desk

It is often easier to eat your lunch at your desk while also doing work. I get it, a deadline is a deadline but what about when you don't have one? It is tempting to eat at your desk while checking your emails or completing your weekly report. Next time, instead of eating that turkey sandwich at your desk, step outside and eat under the sunlight. Enjoying the rays and getting some vitamin D can be a lot more relaxing than eating next to your keyboard and stapler.  

8. Know Your Body

Some people are tired immediately upon entering their job sites. Other people experience that "2pm feeling." Regardless of when you speed up or slow down, it is important to know your body and react accordingly. Pay attention to your body clock. Knowing whether you’re a morning or night person can help you figure out when is the best time to schedule meetings or work on big projects. 

9. Make Time For Fun 

You may not have known this but it is okay to have a little fun at work. Sometimes playing computer games during a break or printing out and taping up funny jokes around your cube or office can help you get through a stressful day. While, in general, everyone should take their job seriously, allowing for some light-hearted fun in the workplace may help ease your mind and allow you to stay focused. 

Easy right? These steps can be taken at any workplace any day of the week. Next time you are feeling stressed at work, try a few of these steps and see what difference it makes. I bet you will feel much better and even become more successful longterm.