Stress in the workplace can be both beneficial and detrimental. In a beneficial way, it keeps us motivated and productive. This type of stress can make our jobs more rewarding by allowing us to rise to new challenges. It normally follows a pattern of heightened activity, followed by a return to a natural and relaxed state.

Detrimental stress, however, can negatively impact our mental and physical health. It is one of the main reasons employees miss work, and costs the UK around £11 billion a year according to the Confederation of Business and Industry (CBI). So what causes this negative stress and what exactly can you do about it? Workplace stress can be caused by a number of things including long working hours, poor working conditions (including too much noise), harassment, too much or too little to do, and a lack of support or direction. These factors can leave employees feeling undervalued, exhausted, and worried.

All is not lost, though. There are some simple things we can do both at work and outside of work to reduce our stress levels. At work, you can take a few minutes away from your desk. If the weather is nice, go outside and get some fresh air. If there is a park or green space near your office, have your lunch there. Invite a colleague and you can both unwind and relax during your break. Don’t have large meals or fatty meals for your lunch. Eating sensibly at lunch will give you the stamina to make it through the day. Drink lots of fluid, cups of tea do count as fluid intake but drink decaffeinated if possible.

Outside of work, get plenty of rest. If you have trouble sleeping turn the telly off an hour before bed and read a book instead. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, tai chi or yoga will help return your body to a more natural state. Have a relaxing massage, which will ease your muscular tension and melt away those niggling aches and pains. And finally, maintain a positive attitude. Think about what you have accomplished instead of focusing on what remains to be done. Take each day as it comes and you will attain a clearer perspective on the tasks ahead.