You Won’t Get Rid of Work-Related Stress without Reading This

Stress. It seems to be part of everyone’s lives today. In the UK alone, stress accounts for 35% of work-related cases of bad health and 43% of total working days lost due to ill health. In total, that’s a whopping 9.9 million days! Those people most affected by work-related stress are between ages 35-55, but any aged person in the workforce can experience it.

And while the causes of pressures, strains, and worries vary and aren’t always changeable, there are effective ways to deal with these sometimes overwhelming feelings. Here is how to address workplace stress before it becomes a serious problem.

How to Destress Your Body

Did you know that too much stress can accelerate the aging process? It can leave you tired and depressed, not to mention suppressing your immune system. Why do this to yourself?

Instead, you can lead a more stress-free life if you eat properly, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Heart UK discusses how a healthy diet includes plenty of whole foods, fruit and vegetables, and foods that contain Omega 3 fatty acids.

Exercise is also important too, as is sleep. Physical activity releases feel-good, stress-relieving chemicals. Plus, if you’re not getting enough sleep, your problems can magnify. Getting sufficient sleep each night can help to clear your mind, and you’ll likely then find it easier to deal with workplace stress.

How to De-Stress Your Mind

Stress begins in your mind, so it’s important you look for ways to counteract those thoughts. Thinking happy, positive, gratitude-filled thoughts means your stress responses happen less often. But how do you go about magically doing that?

While there’s no instant formula, Mind UK states that meditation is a great way to control the thoughts that trigger work-related stress. And it’s helpful even if you only manage 5 minutes a day. Another great tip is learning to say “no” politely at work when you’re schedule is already full of deadlines and demands. By doing so, you won’t overbook, over-commit or overwork yourself.

Find Time for Yourself

Your to-do list is getting longer. You’re running around trying to get everything done. You spend your days looking after those around you. Does all of this sound familiar?

If so, then it’s no wonder you’re feeling workplace stress. Finding the time in your business schedule to concentrate on yourself is important. In fact, it’s essential to good mental health. Finding time to relax, unwind, slow down and enjoy something for you will ensure you have the energy and enthusiasm to carry on. There are many ways you can do so. For example, read a book, play casino games, go for a walk, garden, or take a bath.

Something else worth considering for an hour every day is to unplug yourself from all electronic devices. With so much digital information bombarding your senses, it can be difficult to switch off and listen to the birds sing.

Final Thoughts on Busting Work-Related Stress

Life is meant to be enjoyable, so give yourself the time to appreciate it. Keep your mind sharp and pay attention to whether your life feels balanced or like you’re working too much instead.

There’s little point in working hard if you can’t stand back now and then to see what you’ve got around you. After a long day at work, don’t come home and immediately start slaving away there too. Instead, allow yourself to get lost in a hobby, plan things to look forward to, and remember to include some “me” time in your busy day. Why? Because you deserve it.