Stress is a very real problem. How many times per day do you say the words “I’m stressed?” When you say those words, are you really stressed at your office desks, i.e. truly at a point of being overwhelmed?
The office environment is more stressful than you might think, but thankfully there are ways to reduce that. Employers are also waking up to the real facts surrounding stress, not only because of the wellbeing impact on their employees but also because of the actual monetary cost involved in having a stressed out workforce. Check out this infographic for a few surprising figures about stress costs.
INSERT INFOGRAPHIC HERE - https://www.in-equilibrium.co.uk/stress-business-cost-and-solutions-infographic/
Far more importantly, the personal cost of stress is huge. When left unchecked, prolonged stress can become a life threatening issue. Over time, the heart is weakened, putting you at risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular issues, and the immune system takes a huge hit, making you susceptible to every virus doing the rounds. Over time, stress can easily lead to anxiety and depression, and the whole picture is quite an unpleasant one.
So, with all these ideas in mind, how can you work to stress-proof your days and therefore reduce the overall amount of stress in your life? It’s actually far easier than you think to battle stress, but it does take time and effort.
Start Your Day in The Right Way
Make sure you get enough sleep every evening. If you’re not sure how much sleep you should be getting, the idea is aim for around 7-8 hours per night, and to make sure that you go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day. In addition, when you wake up, make sure you eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast to see you through until lunch. It’s also a good idea to get some fresh air and exercise in first thing in the morning, so perhaps walking to work rather than driving to your appointment at the meeting room tables could be a good idea!
Begin on a Positive Note
Starting the day on a positive note will set the precedence in the best possible way. Pick a positive affirmation that resounds with you and repeat it a few times in the morning when you wake up. Make sure you choose something which fires you up or makes you feel content and serene. Something like “I am ready to face the day”, or “I am strong and able”. When you reach the contemporary office desks in your office, you’ll be ready to face whatever the day has in store for you.
Write a Priority List
When you arrive at your luxury office desk at work, write a list of all the priority tasks you need to complete that day and number them in the order you’re going to tackle them. Make sure you number the most urgent or important task as number one and then work down from there. Doing this will give you a feeling of control throughout the day.
Delegate if You’re Struggling
If you’re struggling to do everything you need to do, delegate tasks to other colleagues, if you are able to do so. Otherwise, if you’re really struggling, don’t be afraid to speak to your line manager and explain the situation. It’s far better to speak up and face the issue, than push jobs aside and cause a bigger problem, and therefore more stress.
Use Breathing Exercises to Gain Control And Clarity
If you face a difficult situation throughout the day, perhaps a difficult conversation whilst sat at your boardroom chair, learn how to use deep breathing exercises to grab back control and achieve clarity. Breathe in through your nose for a count of five, hold for five, and then breathe out through your mouth for another count of five. Repeat until you feel calmer.
Always Take Your Breaks
Taking your breaks will help you to remain calm, less anxiety and far more focused. Never eat your lunch at your desk, take your screen breaks, and always leave work on time. Basic rules!
If you can tick these boxes throughout your day, you’ll stress-proof your time and feel firmly in control!