With deadlines, quotas, and projects, it’s normal to occasionally experience stress at work. However, when it affects your productivity or your life outside of work, it’s a problem. Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce the stressful aspects of your job. Here are five tips that can help you manage stress in your workplace.
1. Use relaxation techniques
If it’s hard for you to leave the stress behind when you leave work, relaxation techniques can help. Physical activities, such as going for a walk outside or participating in a sport or hobby can help you unwind and relieve stress, as can more relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, visualization or only listening to calming music or sounds. Any activity that requires you to focus on something else can help you forget about the stress at work.
2. Plan your work day
Poor time management creates stress at work and it leaves you unable to complete projects or to be in too many places at once, but planning your work day carefully will help you prioritize your tasks and obligations so you aren’t always running behind. Make a habit of creating a daily to-do list and prioritize your tasks. Not only will you stay focused, but you won’t waste time or fall behind doing unnecessary tasks.

3. Avoid overloading
Having too much on your plate causes you to work under pressure and creates stress. Learn to manage expectations when you are overloaded with work and don’t promise more than you can handle. Similarly, learn when to delegate. You can avoid unnecessary stress when you utilize team work. There are many free task management systems available that can significantly increase production, as well as cut down on the worry that you have forgotten something very important. If you have thought about a needing to accomplish a task more than once, you have spent too much time. Jot it down in your task management system, set the date and free your mind.
4. Communicate clearly
Poor communication with colleagues can also result in workplace stress. Instead of getting irritated, which creates tension and stress, communicate your problems and concerns with co-workers. Being respectful yet assertive with demanding or difficult co-workers can reduce unnecessary stress and make the work environment better for everyone.
5. Minimize interruptions
Emails, phone calls, and visits are distractions that make it hard to focus and keep you from getting things done. You can minimize these interruptions by setting aside a particular time for answering personal emails and phone calls. Simple things, such as closing your office door or putting on your headphones will let your co-workers know that you’re busy working and can’t be interrupted.
Workplace stress is a common issue faced by many people around the world. The good news is that there are ways to manage it and keep it under control. By learning to relax, planning your work day and communicating with your co-workers, you’ll reduce stress and make your job more enjoyable.
Indeed, stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Being able to recognize common stress symptoms can give you a jump on managing them. Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Don’t let it get to that point. Take the necessary steps to be on top of your workload.