Stress Management

How to ensure stress doesn’t rule your life in the workplace.

Forty eight percent of Americans say their stress has increased in the last five years. And given the current economic outlook, that stress is likely to continue to increase in the foreseeable future.

Although a certain level of stress is an unavoidable part of being human, it is important not to let this pressure get out of control and dictate your wellbeing. Knowing ways to manage stress (especially in the workplace) will keep you sane and focused on your tasks.

Reader’s Digest has compiled a great list of “37 Stress Management Tips.” Here are a few that work at work.

•  Be proactive. At the first sign of “Why me…” turn it around. Don’t sit in silence and wallow in self-pity, get up and do something about it.
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew. If a request comes your way and you don’t know if you can handle it, it’s OK to say no.
• Speak your stress. When you feel like the pressure is mounting, say it out loud. We’ve all been there. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how many people are willing to come to your aid. No one around? Pull out a pocket recorder and start dumping that to do list – you’ll have a record and can free yourself to focus on the moment.
• Breathe in, breathe out. Just taking a moment to sit quietly and take deep breaths can help stop a freak-out before it starts.
• Take a walk. Ten minute away from your desk/office will relax your body and free your mind.

By ignoring what your mind and body are telling you, you are opening yourself to feeling overburdened and stressed. Taking the time to recognize and remedy stress will increase your productivity in the long run.

What are some ways you use to manage stress in the office? Or what are some of the things that are causing you stress that you are trying to overcome?