Everyone experiences some amount of stress in the workplace.
According to The American Institute of Stress, 83% of workers in the United States reported dealing with workplace stress.
While stress is unavoidable and sometimes even helpful, chronic stress can harm your health and work performance.
Fortunately, there are coping strategies that can help you protect your mental and physical health.
Avoid multitasking
Multitasking might appear to be productive, but it can cause stress. It can also lower the quality of your work.
Focus on one task at a time so you can concentrate on the quality of your work and manage your stress levels.
Take a deep breath
Chronic stress can take a physical toll on your body by keeping it in a “fight or flight” mode.
Deep breathing techniques can help calm your nervous system. When you are feeling stressed, take a few moments to visualize a peaceful scenario while breathing deeply and slowly.
Meditate and exercise
Fifteen to 30 minutes of meditation or exercise daily can change how your brain and body respond and cope with stress, helping you remain calm and attentive under pressure.
Be empathetic
Sometimes interactions with coworkers can be stressful. Try not to take them personally. If possible, look at the situation from the other’s point of view.
Empathy is an excellent way to cope with stress and build relationships with coworkers. Openly acknowledging any tension in a nonjudgmental, inquiring manner can help calm the situation.
Stress management is critical for a happy and productive workplace. Be conscious of your stress levels and try these tips the next time you feel overwhelmed at work.
If the option is available to you, take a mental health day. If the stress has become unmanageable, consider meeting with a mental health provider or it may be time to look for a different job.
