Stress is a silent killer. It doesn’t matter if you work from an office or you work from home—you have to find ways to deal with stress. A clearer headspace will not only make you more productive at work but will also help your life become more manageable. There are many useful habits that you can easily work into your daily routine to shake off stress and make work more pleasant.
Here are a few tips to de-stress before, after, and on the job:
Take A Moment Just For You
Before you begin your workday, it’s important to take a few minutes for yourself to check in, center yourself, and begin your work with a level head. Whether you prefer to sit and eat a healthy breakfast or to meditate in the morning, it’s important not to simply rush from one thing to another. Even showing up 15 minutes before work to sit and enjoy your morning coffee in peace can be an excellent way to help you deal with the stress to come.
Keep It Organized
Clutter and disorganization exacerbate feelings of stress. By prioritizing order and organization, you can make your tasks more manageable and decrease stress. Make sure your workspace is tidy and that everything you need is in an orderly place and within reach. You can be organized with your time as well by creating a detailed schedule for yourself each day. If you block out certain chunks of time for each task, you can measure your progress throughout the day and keep yourself oriented.
Focus On One Thing At A Time
Multitasking may seem like a great way to get things done, but the more you split your attention, the less efficient and less accurate you are. Save your sanity by giving all of your attention to only one task at a time. That way, once you clock out at the end of the day, you’ll be able to focus all of your attention on being present outside of work rather than still thinking about the work you need to get done the next day.
Walk On Your Breaks
It may be tempting to use your breaks sitting at your desk and scrolling through Instagram, but this can contribute to feelings of stress. By getting up and walking on your breaks (including lunch), you’ll come back to work feeling revitalized and energetic. You’ll also help reduce the negative effects that come with a sedentary lifestyle.
Use Music To Decompress
Just as taking a moment before work to center yourself can help reduce stress, so can taking a moment afterward. Listening to music on your drive home can help you shake off the stress of the day and wind down before you get home. If you work from home, going for a walk while listening to music with a pair of headphones is a great way to give yourself a buffer between your work life and home life.
