Stress on the job, it seems, has become a constant traveling companion in recent years. No matter what kind of job you have, there’s a large dose of stress that goes with it. Since you need to work, you have to find ways to cope the stress. Here are ten ways to do that.
Take on new responsibilities
Sometimes stress comes from boredom. The solution may be to take on some new responsibilities that can give your job a fresh feel, even if it doesn’t change the job fundamentally.
Get rid of some old responsibilities
Are there one or two functions you have at work that are causing a lot of your stress? Can you move one of them over to a coworker? Maybe you can even swap responsibilities so that each of you has something new, while getting rid one that was causing problems.
Start an exercise routine
Exercise tends to make you feel good overall, maybe because it’s so unlike the sedentary way most of us live and work. The good feeling you get outside the office can be brought in.
Change departments
Sometimes the stress you feel is because of the people you work with. Transferring to another department could move you into a whole new group of coworkers.
Leave the office at lunchtime
With heavier workloads it’s no longer uncommon for people to either skip lunch or to have lunch in the office. If your job is stressful, not getting out for a bit will only make it more so. Try to make it a point to get out of the office for lunch on most days. Some quiet time or a brisk walk can provide the temporary change of scenery that will lower your stress level.
Get involved in some extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities won’t change your job but it can change your direction enabling you to do your job in a different way. Art lessons, dance classes or learning a musical instrument can give you an activity that will make your life feel more complete overall, as though you’re more than just your job.
Start a side business
This is similar to taking on an extracurricular activity, except you’re adding an economic component to the venture. Not only can it provide activity and extra income, but it could also give you a greater sense of control over your circumstances, and that can be a real stress buster. Many times the stress you feel from your job comes from a sense of complete dependence on your employer. A second income source could be the solution to that problem.
Change the music, change your mood
Do you listen to music at work? There are different kinds of music and they can affect stress levels in different way. While you may enjoy listening to throbbing rock music, it may also contribute to your stress level. Try switching to more peaceful music—listening to quiet gospel music keeps me calm even in my most stressful moments. Try listening to any kind of calming music at work and see if it doesn’t lower your stress level.
Learn a new skill that can help you on your job
This is another of those activities that has the potential to give you a greater sense of control over your financial situation. By learning a new skill, you can increase your earning potential and even prepare yourself for a better job in the future. It can be a remedy for stress that’s brought on by a sense of career stagnation.
Make good use of quiet time
Many of us spend so much time being busy that we don’t ever have any quiet time—life just seems to demand that we’re always on the go and that no hour ever goes unfilled by activity. That’s a stressful way to live! Block out some quiet time each day—before work, after work, or before bedtime—that you’ll keep clear for quiet time. Fill it with prayer, reading, meditating, or any activity that allows you to spend time thinking about anything that has nothing to do with work.
Implementing just two or three of these could help to reduce stress on your job, and make life more pleasant overall.
What do you do to keep your stress levels under control at work?
Thanks Kevin! I would like to add one more, have an exit strategy. I have my exit strategy in place and it has completely changed my outlook on my job, now that it is only temporary.
YES Adam, that’s excellent! Sometimes the greatest source of work stress is feeling trapped. With an exit strategy that one will just go away.
Good list here. I find that I am sprinter when it comes to working in my office. I can get a lot of work done in a short amount of time. I find taking periodic breaks to walk around, go outside or change tasks help reduce any stress and keep my energy high to keep moving forward.
Hi Paul-You sound like a natural at juggling stress! I used to find that taking a short nap at lunchtime energized me for the afternoon stretch. I think these techniques really do work, but we have to be religious about doing them so we don’t get overwhelmed and stressed even more.