Science Supports These Ways to Reduce Stress at Work
Posted November 28th, 2016
Stress, it exists in every workplace and affects every employee at some point. In fact, the side effects of stress are estimated to cost companies billions of dollars a year.
During the financial crisis of 2008, the standard amount of stress increased significantly as employees became concerned about job security and were often required to do more with less. While the economy appears to be settling, those wounds are still fresh for many.
To help manage stress in the workplace, use the following techniques (backed by science) to keep things at a manageable level.
Mind Your Posture
The position of your body has notable impacts on your mental and emotional state. Sitting and standing up straight automatically makes you feel more powerful while assuming contracted positions, like hunching over, makes us experience higher levels of stress.
Powerful positions help us brush off the effects of stress, as we feel better equipped to manage the challenges. Arrange your work area to provide a sufficient amount of space, and mind how you hold yourself while working. If your workspace has limited options, stop and assume power poses regularly throughout the day for a boost.
Fight for Organization
Clutter can increase stress by simply existing in our space. Whether you work in an office, cubicle, or manufacturing station, maintaining an organized environment lowers stress levels consistently. Develop a system of action instead of allowing things to pile up. Dedicate time in your schedule to basic tasks like filing to give yourself an opportunity to avoid the stress of an ever-growing to-do list.
Make sure any trash, recycling, and shredding are properly disposed of on a regular basis and don’t be afraid to clean surfaces on a regular basis to improve morale.
Recognize Unrealistic Goals
Being goal-oriented is normally not a shortcoming. However, maintaining unrealistic goals can do more harm than good. If you set your sights too high, you become discouraged every time you don’t meet these self-imposed marks. Instead of focusing on the unachievable, reframe your goals into something more manageable. That doesn’t mean all challenges should be removed, just align them with what can actually be accomplished.
Give Yourself a Chance to Focus
In a world of email alerts, IM notifications, ringing phones, and other interruptions to the flow of your work, it can be difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. Feeling constantly pulled away from your work can harm your performance and breeds feelings of irritation.
While interruptions cannot be entirely avoided, you can create systems to help you regain your focus once the new issue is resolved. For example, when your work is disrupted, take a moment to write down where you are in your task and what you intended to do next. This can serve as a reminder to help you get focused once the interruption is over.
Adjust Your Perception of Stress
Stress isn’t entirely negative. It can provide motivation and may increase cognitive function in some individuals. You may even experience physical benefits like increased endurance and a higher level of resistance to pain. While prolonged stress can have drawbacks, understanding the benefits of your current state can help you manage it more effectively. Sometimes a simple change in mindset is all it takes to alleviate some of the pressure.
Consider a Change
If your work is a constant source of stress and dissatisfaction, it may be time for a change. Finding a job that better aligns with your ideal workplace can help alleviate stress over the long-term. Here at Bayside Solutions, we understand the importance of finding a work environment in which you can thrive. Contact us today and see if the answer to your stress may be finding new work.
