Stress Management Article

STRESS MANAGEMENT AT WORK

from:

If you’re working eight to twelve hour shifts every single day, it’s inevitable that your body and psyche eventually give at some point and succumb to stress. Even if your work duties involve non-strenuous activity, like sitting in front of a computer, you can also be a candidate for stress.



In fact, most studies show that people who do repetitive duties, like filing folders and encoding data, are more likely to need stress management help than those who perform various kinds of physical activity throughout their work life.



Stress is the enemy of competence and productivity. People who are unable to manage stress often find themselves slacking at their tasks, turning in lackluster output and even feeling depressed and useless. It is for these reasons that majority of companies require their employees to undergo stress management seminars at least once a year.



Stress management does not simply refer to putting work down and stopping for a while. It entails clearing one’s head and ridding it of unhealthy distractions, in order to get back on track. Some stress management programs emphasize the value of silence and meditation. That is, learning to savor one’s alone time and use it to rejuvenate the mind and the body.



If your job involves mostly repetitive administrative work, then you might benefit from the following stress management tips.



1. Take a break.



It doesn’t have to be too long. A simple 10-minutes away from your work desk can already perform wonders on your escalating stress levels. Studies show that seeing a new environment that is different from what you’re stuck with eight hours a day is beneficial. Go to the pantry and make yourself a cup of coffee, or get a glass of water. Chat briefly with work mates who are also taking their breaks. Just get out of your table.



2. Take a power nap.



You will be amazed at what a 5-10 minute power nap can do to jumpstart your dwindling physical functions. Find a quiet place to lounge in for a bit or do it at the comfort of your cubicle (provided it’s okay with your boss). You don’t need to doze off for an hour. A few minutes will do the trick.



3. Go for a short walk.



A change of scenery and air circulation will help revive your sense. Getting a breath of fresh air will clear your head and get your mind off the stresses of work for a while.



As you can see, stress management does not really require too much effort. All you need to do is detach yourself from what causes the stress for a bit. It doesn’t mean you need to get rid of the stressors altogether, especially if they’re work-related, but you can do yourself a favor by giving yourself a break from time to time.



Christine P. Gray is a recognized authority on the subject of stress management. Her website www.selfimprovementsguide.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you will need to know about self improvement. All rights reserved. Articles may be reprinted as long as the content and links remains intact and unchanged.
.