How to Reduce Work Stress: A Beginner's Guide

Stress at work is quite common. Many people feel it daily without knowing exactly what causes it or how to manage it. But the good news is that there ARE simple ways to reduce it. If you've never thought about this before, don't worry here's a step-by-step guide:

What is work-related stress?

Work-related stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed, tired, or worried about work tasks. It can be caused by many things, such as too much workload, a bad atmosphere with colleagues, demanding bosses, or simply a lack of time to rest.

Why is it important to reduce it?

Too much stress can affect your physical and mental health. You may feel tired all the time, have headaches, have trouble sleeping, or feel sad or angry for no reason. It can also affect your productivity and your relationships with others.

Practical tips to reduce stress at work

1. Take short breaks You don't have to work non-stop. Get up every so often, walk around a bit, or take a deep breath for a minute. These breaks help your mind relax.
   

2. Organize your day Make a list of what you need to do. Start with the most important thing and cross off each thing you complete. Seeing that you move forward will give you calm.
   

3. Learn to say "no" If you already have a lot of work, don't be afraid to say no to new tasks. Being clear with your boundaries is healthy and necessary.
   

4. Talk to someone If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to a trusted colleague or your manager. Sometimes, just talking about it makes you feel better and can help you find solutions.
   

5. Take care of your body Get a good night's sleep, eat healthily, and practice some exercise (even if it's just walking for 20 minutes). Your body and mind are connected: when one is well, the other tends to follow.
   

6. Avoid bringing work home Switching off from work when the day’s done is important. Your free time is yours, use it to rest or do things you enjoy.

Reducing stress at work doesn't require major changes, just small daily steps, but it's an ongoing process.

At Unlock Engine, we empower you with tools to make stress reduction at work and in your daily life last.

Contact us or tell your manager to contact us to discuss how we can help.