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Many people lost their jobs during the recent recession. Those left often had to assume an additional workload. This factor along with project deadlines, office politics and lack of control over your day can add up to a great deal of stress.
Stress can adversely impact your health with headaches, stomach problems, depression and more. Since most working adults spend half their waking hours at work, it’s important to deal with stress to avoid these consequences.
Get Enough Rest
Not getting enough sleep impacts mental performance. It is even harder to meet the demands of your job when thinking and moving are slower than normal. Memory is affected and I am some people are more irritable.
Get yourself to bed in time to get a good night's rest. Try sleeping without an alarm clock and let your body get as much rest as it needs. Except for early morning trips, I haven’t used an alarm for years.
Exercise
There are several positive results of exercise that contribute to decreasing stress. Exercise releases endorphins in your body which contributes to happiness and a sense of well being. The increased blood flow to the brain aids enhances thinking.
Moving your body with exercise helps release muscle tenseness. Ironically, exercise also helps you sleep better so you’re making the most of your rest time.
If exercise is not part of your current routine, check with your physician before starting a new program.
Diet
A lot of people respond to stress with changes in their diet. Some can’t eat when they’re stressed out. Without fuel, our bodies (and mind) can’t perform as well.
Others, like me, overeat for comfort with salty or sugary foods. Although this may provide temporary respite, the behavior can lead to weight gain and is often unhealthy.
It is important to follow good eating habits especially when under stress. Don’t skip meals and do try to eat at the same time every day. When tempted to grab that comfort snack, distract yourself with a quick walk or a piece of gum.
Environment
Sometimes the work environment itself is causing stress. Figure out what about your surroundings is causing distress. Is it noise, seating, smells or some other factor?
If you can’t resolve these issues yourself, then work with your manager or human resources department to improve the situation. If they can’t eliminate the distraction there may be other ways to tackle it.
One possibility is relocating your workstation. Maybe you don’t like being near the lunchroom, but a sociable person might. If noise is distracting then maybe your position can be performed with headphones.
Another option is telecommuting. Not only would this resolve any office distractions but some people are less stressed by removing the commute and having more autonomy.
These steps can help with most job stresses. If all else fails, you might consider finding new work. Take steps to makes sure you don’t end up in the same situation at the new workplace.
How do you fight job stress?
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