Experiencing stress at work is inevitable. According to a 2014 Nielsen survey, 8 in 10 U.S. workers are stressed about at least one job-related thing. However, you don't have to let this anxiety keep you up at night. If you learn how to handle stress in healthy ways, you will be much happier. Here is some helpful advice on how to cope with stress in the workplace:
Look at the Bright Side
When you have a million things to get done in a short amount of time, it can be difficult to see a silver lining. However, it's important to search for the bright side in these tough circumstances. Instead of becoming bitter from all the stress, think about how it will make you a better and stronger person. For example, if you are working on a complicated project that's taking a long time to finish, recognize how much you are learning from it and how it will help you grow in your career.
Eat Nutritious Food
While it's tempting to eat a burger or slice of cake when you feel the pressure at work, these foods won't do you any good. In fact, according to The Stress Management Society, junk food doesn't contain an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals, so it can increase stress. Fresh fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are packed with nutritious content and can help you relieve some of that tension.
Find a Stress Buddy
Another effective method of dealing with workplace stress is to look for a stress-accountability partner in the office. According to John Brandon, contributing editor of Inc., it's helpful to talk about your struggles with another person.
"Find one person in the office right now," Brandon suggested. "Tell him or her you deal with stress. Explain that you are not working as effectively and what is causing the most stress. Ask that person to keep tabs on you. Meet weekly. It works because half of your battle is just keeping those stressful thoughts bundled up inside your head."
Prioritize Tasks
To make things a little easier on yourself, write down the tasks you have to complete in personalized notebooks and finish them in the order of importance. It's a good idea to do your least favorite task first. If you leave your more pleasant tasks for the rest of the day, you will feel less anxiety.
Disconnect in the Evening
Another helpful way to let go of stress and avoid burnout is to turn off your smartphone and other electronic devices in the evening. This gives you a chance to unwind and focus your attention on nonwork activities like going for a walk or watching a movie with your family. When you come to the office the next day, you will feel reinvigorated and ready to give 100 percent.