4 Tips for Effective Stress Management in the Workplace

One too many emails in your inbox. Back-to-back meetings on top of tight deadlines. Checking in even when you’re out of the office. With so many workplace pressures, it’s no surprise that 57% of workers say they feel stressed on a daily basis. 

Since quitting your job is most likely not an option, figuring out ways to manage stress is key to helping you power through even the worst of days. Read on to learn tips for stress management in the workplace so you can feel better mentally and excel at your job as a result. 

1. Determine Your Stress Triggers

One of the best things you can do to help you learn how to manage stress is to figure out what triggers those feelings. Does your back tense up every time you hear a notification for a new email? Do you feel a sense of dread when you get an invite to a meeting? For a few weeks, keep a journal that tracks what makes you feel the most stressed. 

Then, take a look to figure out ways to combat that sense of emotional distress in the workplace. For example, if emails trigger you, maybe you can have set times to check your inbox during the day instead of always having it open. 

2. Step Away When Possible

Stress is tricky because it can have long-lasting effects. To help combat that, try taking small breaks when possible at the first sign of stress. You might take a break from your computer by taking a 5-minute walk around the building, for instance. If you can’t physically step away, even closing your eyes for a few moments and focusing on your breath can help you maintain a sense of peace. 

While it’s not always possible to fully take a break from your job, look for small pockets of time where you can mentally recharge throughout the day, even if it’s just getting up to refill your water bottle before returning to the task at hand. 

3. Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Too often, our natural reaction to being stressed is to turn to unhealthy coping devices like eating fast food or drinking alcohol. While the occasional indulgence is fine, you don’t want this to become your only way of dealing with stress. 

Instead, try to find healthy outlets that will not only help you feel less stressed in the moment, but also in the long run. You might take up a yoga practice, focus on getting more sleep, or pick up a new hobby after work. 

4. Establish Work/Life Boundaries

In this digital world, it’s natural to feel like you need to be available 24/7. However, this can quickly lead to burnout. Unless you’re on call, try to establish boundaries so you can put work aside outside of working hours. 

Instead of checking your work email while you’re out to dinner, wait to sort through them until morning. When you’re using PTO, set up an out-of-office responder and stick to it. In most cases, everything will function fine without you and you can catch up on everything once you’re back.

Follow These Tips for Stress Management in the Workplace

Now that you’ve read these tips for stress management in the workplace, it’s time to put them into action. The next time you’re feeling stressed when you’re on the job, note the trigger and use a healthy coping mechanism to help get through it. You’ll feel better overall as a result. 

Find more ways to feel like the best version of yourself by checking out our other articles before you go.