Ways to Reduce Workplace Stress

<ol><li>Track your stress: For a week or two, note in a diary which situations create the most pressure and how you react. Recording your thoughts, feelings, the people and situations involved, and physical reactions (such as speaking loudly or a pounding heart) helps you spot patterns in your stress and your responses to it.</li><li>Cope in healthy ways: Instead of fighting stress with fast food or cigarettes, do something healthy when you feel tension. Exercise is a great stress-buster; breathing exercises and mindfulness are excellent too. Also make time for hobbies and favourite activities.</li><li>Get enough good sleep: Build healthy sleep habits by limiting caffeine later in the day and reducing stimulating activities like computer and television use at night.</li><li>Set boundaries between work and personal time: This might mean not checking email from home in the evening, or not answering the phone during dinner.</li><li>Plan to stay organised: Even if you are naturally disorderly, planning ahead to stay organised can greatly reduce your stress at work and cut down on the morning rush.</li><li>Clarify each day's expectations: Find out exactly what is expected of you, then break the day's work into small parts and plan to finish within the time.</li><li>Avoid conflict: Conflict with colleagues affects your physical and mental health. Avoid gossip, don't over-share personal views on religion and politics, and stay away from off-colour office humour.</li><li>Don't waste your days off: When possible, take time to rest so you return refreshed and ready to perform at your best.</li><li>Talk openly with your supervisor: Let them understand the causes of your stress, tell them how you plan to handle it, and ask for their support. This is not a weakness but part of your effort to do your best at the job.</li></ol>