Keeping your emotions in check when you feel stressed at work can be challenging. Dealing with stress at work is an unavoidable part of the job in many industries. Learning how to deal with stress can help you manage and reduce its effects.
Stress is a part of life and can even be good for you in small doses. But when your stress levels get too high, it can have severe consequences, including health problems and a loss of productivity at work. If you’re feeling the pressure, here are some ways to cope;
1. Get a Virtual Assistant
When you’re feeling stressed at work, it can be challenging to think of ways to relax. A virtual assistant can help you take a step back and give you some time away from the desk while reducing stress-inducing tasks like scheduling, email management, and social media.
Virtual assistants are becoming more popular as businesses realize their value in managing business operations efficiently. Your virtual assistant can provide services such as:
- Calling meeting rooms for you.
- Scheduling appointments for you through an online portal (Zendesk, etc.).
- Take notes at meetings or conferences so there is no need for additional staff members who may not be available due to illness or other reasons.
2. Step Away From Your Desk
When it comes to stress at work, one of the best ways to deal with it is by stepping away from your desk. All you need is a small excuse to push yourself away from your principal place of work. For example;
- Getting some fresh air. Leaving your office and taking a few minutes out in the sunshine will help relieve stress and give you time to collect yourself.
- Drinking water. You may be surprised at how dehydrated you get when working long hours, so ensure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Take a short break. You can bring your phone or even read a book at a nearby coffee shop (make sure you bring along your glasses to block all the harmful lights from screens)
Take breaks throughout the day or week (if possible). Although it’s essential to get things done at work, it’s also important not to push yourself too hard — take regular breaks during which time you can relax and let off some steam!
3. Meet With a Colleague
Meeting a colleague doesn’t always have to be for work and can be a good way of dealing with stress at work. You should find someone trustworthy who will not judge your feelings and concerns.
This person should be someone who understands what you’re going through and can provide valuable advice or just listen to what you have to say. It could be a supervisor or an employee who has been in the same situation as yours and knows how it feels, but if not, another colleague would be acceptable too.
4. Take a Virtual Break
A virtual break can be a great way to get your mind off the stress of work and refocus. A quick Zoom call with friends or family and even a short exercise session are simple ways to escape the office for just a few minutes.
There are many non-work-related things you can do if you aren’t able to leave the desk. For example;
- Have an impromptu Zoom call with friends or family.
- Play a quick game of Tetris or even five minutes of Farmville.
- Fiddle with a fidget spinner for a couple of minutes.
- Watch an amusing YouTube clip (but make sure you have a profanity filter enabled, just in case.)
If it’s not distracting others in the office, take this chance to relax in peace – and don’t forget to hydrate!
5. Listen to Some Music
Caption: Music streaming services like Spotify can help suggest relaxing music playlists.
Listening to music is a great way to relieve stress at work. Music can help you relax, focus, and even boost your productivity. The right kind of music can help you get through the day with a smile on your face.
Music can also improve your performance at work by helping you concentrate better and stay focused on the task at hand. Research has shown that listening to music while working can make you more productive and creative.
If you’re looking for some stress relief during a busy day at work, try these tips:
- Listen to music with headphones or earbuds while working on your computer.
- Turn off any distracting noises in your office (e.g., fans, printers).
- Find music that matches your mood or helps you focus on the task.
6. Meditate at Your Desk
There are many different types of meditation, and you can choose one that works for you—some people prefer silent meditation; others like guided meditation with music or nature sounds playing in the background.
Take a few minutes every day to meditate at your desk. Meditation doesn’t require fancy equipment — just a quiet place where you can sit comfortably for 10 minutes without being disturbed by coworkers or phone calls.
Set the alarm, so you don’t forget about the time limit; once it goes off, open your eyes again and return to whatever task you were working on before meditation began.
7. Hit the Gym
Exercise is a great way to deal with stress. It releases endorphins, which make you feel happy and reduce your anxiety. You can also learn how to manage your stress at work by exercising regularly, which can help relieve anxiety symptoms.
Exercise helps you sleep better, so it’s a good idea to hit the gym before going home at night. If possible, take a lunch break every day and go for a walk outside; this will give your mind time to relax and refresh itself for when it has to return to its stressful environment again later in the afternoon.
8. Grow a Small Potted Plant
It’s no secret that plants are good for you. They release oxygen and can help reduce stress. They’re also a great way to start a conversation with co-workers since they can be used as an icebreaker when you feel shy or nervous about talking to someone new.
If you feel stressed out after a long day at work, having a small potted plant in your office can help you unwind and relax. It also improves the air quality throughout your workspace. Finally, plants are great because they don’t require much effort—you simply have to water them occasionally (which may even serve as another excuse for getting out of the office).
Conclusion
While there are many things you can do to deal with stress at work, not all of them are going to fit into your busy schedule or be convenient for you. But the good news is that not all of them require too much time or effort.
The best thing about these tips is that they’re simple and don’t require a lot of preparation or equipment. You can take care of your mental health by meditating at your desk, listening to some music while taking a break from work, or even growing a small potted plant on top of it!
