How to Cope with Workplace Stress

If you want to optimize your daily workflow, you need to know how to deal with the stress that you experience in your place of work. You’re never going to perform to the best of your ability if you’re constantly being blighted by pressure and anxiety, which is why you must go above and beyond to handle this plight.

To find four things you must do to cope with workplace stress, be sure to read on.

Always look at the bigger picture

As difficult as this may be when you’re caught up in the heat of the moment, it’s imperative that you always look at the bigger picture whenever you’re faced with workplace stress. Is what you’re worrying about going to matter in the long run? Will it even be having an impact on you in an hour’s time? You need to stop getting bogged down in the pressures that you face in the present, and always keep at least one eye on the future.

Breathe deeply

Whenever you feel stress creeping up on you, it’s crucial that you take a step back and breathe deeply. This will help you to reevaluate your situation; it will aid you in your bid to refocus your mental capacity, and it will allow you to deal with your situation in a highly concise and proactive manner.

Should you decide to tackle your stress with breathing exercises, be sure to put the following advice into practice:

  • Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly

  • Inhale slowly through your nose, breathing from your belly (4 seconds)

  • Hold your breath (7 seconds)

  • Exhale through your mouth and release all the air from your lungs (8 seconds)

  • Repeat this exercise until you feel calm (3-7 times should do the trick)

Attempt intermittent fasting

Should you decide to embark on short, sharp periods of fasting, you could very well enjoy a major boost when it comes to your day-to-day brain function. Recent studies into the matter have proven that intermittent fasting has the capacity to reduce oxidative stress, which in turn lowers anxiety and helps to sharpen focus.

Don’t tackle stress with snacks

What you eat and drink will either aid you in your bid to tackle your stress or actively make your situation a whole lot worse. Certain substances are proven to raise the hormone known as cortisol, which ultimately leads to a spike in anxiety levels.

Whenever you feel stressed, it’s important that you don’t attempt to snack away your worries. Instead of indulging in high caloric substances, try the following healthy alternatives:

  • Soy chips

  • Fruit and veg

  • Whole wheat crackers

  • Nuts and dried fruits

You’re never going to reach the top of your career ladder if your day-to-day work performance is blighted by stress. If you’re serious about maximizing your professional potential, it’s imperative that you cope with your workplace worries in a highly productive fashion. Put the advice laid out above into practice and you’ll be sure to do just that.