It’s already known that every workplace comes with responsibilities and, implicitly, stress. However, the tech industry seems to take the cake since approximately half IT workers claim that they’re feeling burnt out at work, as a survey from Comparably warns.
Your position may not allow for regular breaks, but learn that there are right-where-you-are distress methods that promise the same result as a one week off if practiced constantly.
So, without further ado, here are some of the most effective ways to cope with stress at work:
Focus on your breathing
While this might sound the most basic thing, it is, in fact, one of the most effective ways to relieve stress, no matter the circumstance. You may think “yes, but I breathe for most of my day”; it’s true, but you don’t breathe consciously. Various studies show that conscious breathing has multiple benefits, including enhancements in:
- concentration and focus
- blood pressure
- sleep
- respiratory function
- nervous system regulation
- metabolism and digestion
- mood
A simple breathing technique implies deepening and slowing your breath while counting every exhale until 10. This helps you focus on the intake of air, holding, and exhaling, and that’s what conscious breathing is all about. Don’t think it’s rocket science – it’s just the oxygen traveling through your body.
Make Yourself a Cup of Tea
A tea break might be just what you need in moments of high mental pressure. And although you might be tempted to choose coffee because yes, working all day long in front of a computer can be exhausting, don’t fall into this trap. Make instead a cup of tea, which is also the perfect occasion to have a chat with your co-workers. Besides, you can leverage the numerous health benefits of tea, which include boosting the immune system, fighting off inflammation, weight management, and improving bone health. You might want to try Turkish apple tea, which is not only delicious but also beneficial to your well-being.
Write your Thoughts
If the last computer hardware or software installation posed you problems and can’t find a way to disconnect, consider journaling. After breathing, there’s nothing simpler than writing your thoughts. Believe it or not, journaling is a widespread relaxation technique that many people around the world use to alleviate stress and defuse tension. Are you wondering how this works? Well, it’s like talking to a psychotherapist, except you’re the professional in this case. And there’s nothing wrong with that since you’re the only one who truly knows your mind. Not only does this method separate your emotions, but it also helps you get a clearer picture of the situation.
And don’t forget to:
- keep perfectionism in check
- read a book or magazine from time to time
- avoid multitasking
- take a walk around then block
There are several ways to relieve stress at work, but we covered up only the most popular ones. You can try these or find other methods, but make sure you choose something that best suits your needs.