When you ask people where most of their daily stress comes from, majority will tell you that it either comes from their home or from work, with greater emphasis on the latter. Because work is a paid endeavor, and the time alloted for it is regular and measured, a lot of people say the routine is what bothers them in addition to the gnarly boss, the file pile-ups, and the gossip-mongering co-workers.
If you feel you are suffering from occupational stress, then this is the article for you. Sure, stress from work is inevitable, because all of us do need to work to earn a living and support ourselves and our families. But just because it's inevitable doesn't mean we should just raise our arms in defeat and succumb to its every whim. Work stress can be managed. All you need to have to start with is a cool head.
Next time you feel like you're on the edge at the office, here are a few tips you can try.
1. Take a break.
Leave the office, take a short walk or visit a quiet nook in your office building or a nearby cafe. Claiming some "me" time helps clear and refresh your mind; so will a change of atmosphere.
2. Talk it over.
Before you snap back at a co-worker, bite your tongue. Pull a close friend at the office, ask if he or she has the time, and ask for help in processing your anger or anxious feelings. Expressing yourself to a confidant for at least 20 minutes helps you simmer down and prevents you from acting or saying things that you might regret later.
3. Stretch.
Exercise can do wonders to one's spirits. It doesn't have to be rigorous. A few minutes of stretching and breathing does the trick.
4. Eat, drink.
Yes, stress eating is the number one cause of weight gain, but there are nutritious foods to calm you and to help you sustain your energy for the rest of the day. Instead of reaching out for a sugar-laden doughnut, get a bran muffin; instead of coffee, have a relaxing tea drink.
5. Laugh!
Humor is an effective way to relieve stress. Laughter relaxes tense muscles, brings in more oxygen into our system, and lowers blood pressure. Next time you want to blow your top, call a friend with a good sense of humor. Developing good jokes no offensive ones does wonders for yourself and your officemates, too. Seeing humor in everyday things lightens up an otherwise trying and tiring day at work.
