We all experience negative stress and for many, the source of that stress is the workplace. We all also know people who can handle stress well! This is primarily because they have some effective stress management techniques to hand. If you know your triggers but don’t have any go-to techniques to manage and minimise negative stress, then read on. We can help! Here are a few effective techniques you can try to help you be one of those people; to help you combat stress that is impairing your performance at work. It’s time to thrive!
– Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet that delivers all the nutrients your body needs to function, at its optimum level is essential for dealing with stressful situations. Cutting back on stimulants like caffeine & sugar, and also reducing depressants, like alcohol and nicotine, will keep your blood sugar levels consistent and help you to avoid mood swings.
– Manage your time
We waste a lot of time doing unimportant tasks, especially when we are stressed. So, managing your time and prioritising your day is key. Do the important jobs first. The unimportant ones can wait and often they will disappear completely leaving you time to do other things. Also, don’t put off the unpleasant tasks –avoidance & procrastination can cause a great deal of stress. Give unpleasant tasks a high priority and get them done!
– Think more positive
Changing your thoughts is not as difficult as you think. Try to adopt an outlook on life that stops you from seeing external events or fate or luck as determining your happiness. Instead, develop an internal locus of control. This means knowing that your thoughts and your actions will determine your happiness –and you are in control of these. It takes practice but if you can do this, you’ll really reduce the negative tension that can lead to some stress.
– Getting enough sleep and rest
Taking a rest isn’t only about “not doing anything”. Resting is itself is doing! A rest from work can mean putting the emphasis on what you do in your “free” time like hobbies, days out, sport – or simply getting out doors! This will counterbalance everyday stressors. And we all need enough quality sleep for energy, concentration, and general health. Chronic sleep deprivation can affect your performance at work and ultimately your health, which can be a key factor in raising stress levels.
– Achieve a good work:life balance
Don’t let work dominate your life. No matter how ambitious you are take time off! It’s VITAL to make time for relaxation and fun; things you enjoy – you will find this will energise you all the more! Use techniques to ensure you’re more productive during your day, rather than continually staying late, or letting things get you down. Set blocks of time for different tasks and end work at a certain time, every day.
The benefits of workplace wellbeing initiatives are plentiful and helping employees manage stress and prioritise their health is central to all Tonic Wellbeing activities. The biggest reward arising from any wellbeing initiative is a healthy and happy workforce, and for this we have just the Tonic! We are all about prevention not cure! Our team of wellbeing experts deliver a plethora of wellbeing services – presented in the “Tonic Toolbox” for you to select. From health checks, mental wellbeing workshops, to group & 1-2-1 coaching and our super popular range of holistic relaxation therapies.
By choosing Tonic to create and manage your wellbeing programme, you can relax in the knowledge that we will cover all bases on your behalf. We care about you and your people, and we want to make their lives better! As we said earlier, it is time to thrive!
Take a look at our 10 Easy To Follow Stress Busters poster. We have hundreds of these resources readily available to you and your staff. Let’s start the conversation and make sure wellbeing is permanently on the agenda in your workplace.
