10 Easy Ways to Relieve Workplace Stress

Breakfast: Eating a healthy breakfast helps set the tone for the rest of the day. Try foods like fruit, nuts and yogurt. Carbs only slow you down, so avoid bagels, toast, etc. 

Stretch: Take a break every hour or two to stand up and stretch out your arms and legs. This helps relax your muscles and get your blood moving more freely throughout your body. 

Exercise: Similar to stretching, doing simple exercises during work breaks helps get your blood moving, which releases endorphins that help to improve your mood. Try taking a walk around the building or walking up and down a few flights of stairs. 

Music: Listening to soothing music has been proven to lower blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Create a peaceful playlist and play it through headphones while you work. 

Breathe: Breathing exercises can help slow your heart rate and maximize your oxygen intake. Sit straight, place your hand on your midsection and inhale deeply while focusing on pushing your hand out with the air in your lungs. Repeat up to 10 times, as often as needed. 

Laugh: They say that laughter is the best medicine and there’s definitely something to that. A good, lengthy laugh lowers cortisol adrenaline, which both contribute to stress. Simultaneously, laughter releases endorphins to boost your mood. If it’s inappropriate to laugh at work, do so in your car during your lunch break. 

Meditate: This isn’t for everyone, but those who practice meditation enjoy reduced anxiety. Sit straight with both feet on the floor, close your eyes and focus on a silent recitation of a positive phrase, such as “I am at peace” or “I can do this.” A few minutes per day can help reduce tension. 

Nap: While napping at your desk is not a good idea, a quick 10 to 20 minute nap in your car during your lunch break can help keep you alert, focused and motivated during the afternoon. That energy boost can help you accomplish more work, relieving stress associated with a busy schedule. 

Prioritize: Working smarter can increase your efficiency, which, in turn, can decrease stress. Complete the most important tasks in the morning, leaving smaller tasks for the afternoon when you may be drowsy and burnt out. Set realistic goals for each day and cross them off your list as you go. You may find other methods helpful as well, such as calendars and reminders. 

Correspondence: Sometimes you’ll get an email that upsets you. If that happens, it’s best to wait a few hours to cool down before responding. Shooting off an angry reply can make matters worse, which breeds stress. Instead, try your breathing exercises and respond politely when you’re ready.