Stress is a killer. It can lead to depression, heart disease, and more. But it can be hard to avoid when you work long hours, have demanding bosses, and are constantly worrying about the future.
Today we share with you several tips on how to reduce stress at work:
1. Learn to say “no” at work. Saying “no” is the best way to avoid being overbooked with work and becoming stressed. You will have more time for yourself, your family, and other priorities if you refuse onerous assignments from your boss.
2. Take your lunch break and use it wisely. Taking breaks helps you relax and also stay healthy by eating healthily and sleeping enough, both of which help reduce stress levels. If possible, take a walk during lunch, or do some form of low-impact exercises like yoga or tai chi that can help reduce tension, improve your mood and boost concentration for the afternoon ahead. These exercises also help you sleep better at night, which further reduces stress levels the next day.
3. Take some time to be active. If stress is getting to you, exercise can do wonders for relieving tension and making you feel better about yourself and the world around you. Pick an activity that you enjoy — whether it’s swimming, running, yoga or rock climbing — and try to fit it into your schedule at least three times per week.
4. Practice deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing involves using abdominal breathing techniques to help slow down your heart rate and breathe deeply into your lungs. It’s simple but very effective in reducing stress levels.
5. Take breaks during the day to get up and stretch, use the restroom or walk around for at least five minutes. A ten-minute break every 90 minutes has been shown to reduce burnout by up to 50 percent in some people. If you’re worried about taking too much time away from your desk, make sure to schedule a longer break at the end of the day when you have more time to relax.T
