7 Ways to Relieve Work Related Stress at Home and in the Office

It's no secret that work-related stress can take a toll on both our professional and personal lives. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to reduce work related stress at home and in the office. Whether you're dealing with stress from your workload, your superiors, or the company culture, the following 7 tips will help you Relax, Relate, and Release!

Tip #1: Take Breaks

One of the best ways to relieve work-related stress is to simply take a break. When you feel overwhelmed or stressed, try stepping away from your desk for a few minutes, take some deep inhales, and get some fresh air. You'll be amazed at how much this will help clear your mind and give you a chance to relax and re-calibrate during the workday!

Tip #2: Get Organized

While it may seem minor, when our work environment is cluttered and chaotic, it can be a major contributor to our stress on the job. Obviously, a great way to reduce this type of stress is to get better organized - but sometimes that's easier said than done. Discover what your personal organizational style is and then create processes that not only decrease chaos but also reduce stress and time wasters.

Tip #3: Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Believe it or not, eating healthy can actually help reduce your stress. You'll be giving yourself the important nutrients and vitamins that it needs as well as lowering blood pressure levels by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Additionally, avoid caffeine and sugary foods as they will only increase your stress levels. Of course, check with a medical professional regarding any drastic dietary changes.

Tip #4: Exercise Regularly

Another great way to reduce work-related stress is to exercise regularly. When we're stressed, our bodies produce the hormone cortisol, which can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health. However, exercising releases endorphins, and that makes us feel good. Whether you take a quick lunchtime walk or join a nearby gym, make sure to get some exercise in on a regular basis. You won't regret it.

Tip #5: Connect with Friends and Family

Another powerful way to reduce job stressors is to connect with friends and family members outside of work on a regular basis. Not only can doing this take our mind off of stress on the job, but it also makes us feel more connected to those around us which is important for our overall well being. Science also confirms that when we laugh, just like when we exercise, we release endorphins which of course helps us feel good.

Tip #6: Take a Mental Health Day

Don't ever be afraid to take a mental health day. In fact, if taking time off is frowned upon, it may be time to reevaluate the values of the company that you work for. Sometimes we just need to step away from it all and recharge our batteries. This can be done by taking a day off to relax, watch movies, read books, or take a nap. Whatever it is that helps you relax, do it! You have off days. Make the most of them. That's what they're for.

Tip #7: Take up a Relaxing Hobby

If you're having trouble disconnecting from work or find that you're constantly stressed out, consider taking up a relaxing hobby. This can be anything from yoga and meditation to gardening and painting. When we take the time to focus on something that brings us joy, it can be a powerful way to relieve our stress and tension. Find what works best for you and stick with it!

Just like everything, the most important thing is to be consistent with your efforts so that you can reap the benefits of these strategies over time. And if the job stressors you are experiencing are proving to be too much for you to handle on your own, don't hesitate to seek professional help. However, if you've tried everything, and you still feel like you've given it all you can and you've determined that you're either not aligned with your company's values or are just straight up in a toxic workplace, always remember you can get that resume polished, that executive bio spruced up, and that Linkedin page on point and move on to broader horizons. Wishing you much success and relaxation.