We have all dealt with work related stress at some point in our lives. Even for those that love their jobs, there will be a time that stress is a factor. Stress could be from an upcoming presentation, meeting or flustered employees and/or customers. When we stress too much, it could potentially become harmful to our mental and physical health. So what can we do alleviate work related stress?
More Sleep
We can all agree that more hours in the day are needed but letting busy days interrupt the amount of sleep we get can do more harm than good. It has been scientifically proven that we need 7 to 9 hours each night to function at an optimal level. Getting too little sleep could negatively impact our thinking, learning, and mood. You also put yourself at risk of stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack and other health problems.
Eat Healthy Foods
The majority of the time when we experience work related stress, we want to indulge in poor nutritional options, such as pizza, ice cream and french fries. Poor nutrition can add to stress levels and even weight gain, which could then cause more stress. Consider having healthy snacks at work and in your home to fuel your body for optimum performance. Having the proper nutrition will help cope with stress rather than eating greasy, sugary foods that add stress levels.
Unplug
With all the technology we carry on a daily basis, we must find time to unplug and remove ourselves from communication channels. Consider making time each day to disconnect from emails, phone calls, and text messages. Take the time to relax your mind and body so you can get back to work feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges. Along with deciding certain times to unplug, consider taking advantage of vacation days!
Exercise
Yes, exercise is a common stress relief, but that is because it works! When being physically active, you are releasing endorphins from your brain, which sends your body a positive feeling. Exercising regularly will not only reduce stress levels, but it can also improve your memory, increase your efficiency, along with bettering your overall health.
Document
Consider keeping a journal to document what situations make you stress, then log how you respond to them. Write down your thoughts, feelings and the people around you at that time. By recording all this information, you can then look back at your journal to decide how to react to those situations when they arise.
This Lifelete was powered by the American Psychological Association and Forbes. If you are experiencing any of the above signs of stress, be sure to speak to your Program Manager at The Trust to learn about the different Trust partners who can assist you.
