How to relieve stress at work

Work stress is a normal part of one's career and day-to-day life, but if your worry levels are damaging your health and impacting your performance, it's time to make some changes.

If you start thinking now about what is causing stress in your environment and methods to mitigate this work stress, it could pay dividends in the long run.

So if you’re looking for information about how to relieve stress at work, get stuck into these stress management techniques that could help you get anxiety under control.

1. Dive into a healthy hobby

It doesn't matter how much you love your job, all work and no play will make you feel very dull indeed. Developing a healthy hobby such as yoga, crafting or travel is likely to reduce muscle tension and help lower your stress levels.

2. Re-learn what it means to breathe

Stress can cause your breathing patterns to shorten or lead to hyperventilation, which disrupts the balance of gases in the body, making you feel even worse. When acutely stressed, focus on taking long, deep breaths that go all the way to your abdomen.

Set aside a small amount of time each day to sit and focus on slow, ordered breathing to encourage your body to relax.

3. Take a few moments for music

A great stress management tip for when you can't get away from your desk is to make sure you have some soothing music on your computer or smartphone. When it all gets too much, plug in your earphones for 10 minutes and listen to the sort of music that chills you out, from classical scores to pop.

4. Stop worrying, start planning

When you're anxious, you might find yourself turning one worry over and over in your mind. Take control by writing down exactly what's making you uneasy. List potential problem-solving options and choose one as an objective.

Now, rather than letting yourself sink back into stressing about the problem, cut thoughts short and concentrate on your objective.

5. Embrace the benefits of meditation

Meditation forces you to slow down, disconnect and focus your mind. It’s an excellent way to de-stress. Start your day with a few minutes of meditation; find an unused boardroom and snatch a few minutes to calm your mind at work, or meditate before bed for a better sleep. The benefits can be long lasting and far reaching.

How to relieve stress at work

We all lead busy lives and stress on some days are inevitable.

But by keep tabs on where it's likely to appear and having remedies available, you can keep work stress to a minimum and spend more time concentrating (and enjoying) the work you do.