Everyone experiences work-related stress. Even if you enjoy your job, there will be some aspects of it that are stressful. Deadlines, meetings, and constant emails and alerts can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. This stress can hurt your health, mood, and overall quality of life.
Below are a few tips to help you reduce your work-related stress.
1. Take breaks to recharge
Working smarter means taking regular breaks to refresh your mind and body. Our brains work best in 90-minute cycles. Structure your workday in 45–90-minute intervals that allow for focused work followed by rest.
Time management techniques, like the Pomodoro, are also effective. This model emphasizes working for 25 minutes straight, followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four of these sessions, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Talk to your supervisor
If your stress level at work has increased to the point that it’s interfering with your productivity, speak with your boss about your responsibilities. Many times, all your supervisor can see is your outward performance. If you’re consistently meeting deadlines and finishing projects, they may not realize you’re struggling to keep up. It may be time to reallocate some of your workload to your coworkers, but your management won’t know that if you don’t speak up.
3. Drink more water
Diet, sleep, and exercise play major roles in managing stress. But another key factor is often overlooked – hydration.
The link between water and stress reduction is well-documented. Every organ in your body depends on water. When you’re dehydrated, your body must work harder to function properly, which leads to fatigue and stress. Studies show that just being half a liter dehydrated can increase cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone).
Simple ways to stay hydrated include keeping a water glass or bottle on your desk as a visual cue to drink more water during the day. And make hydration part of your routine. Start your morning with a tall glass of water, have one before each meal, and a small glass at bedtime.
4. Connect with people
When you’re feeling stressed, it’s natural to withdraw from others. But reaching out and staying connected can make a big difference in how you think.
A strong support network of colleagues, friends, or family can help you put your feelings into perspective. Whether it’s talking things through, sharing a laugh, or spending time with others, these activities can lift your mood and even provide answers to your problems.
If stress becomes overwhelming, talk to a counselor or psychologist. They can provide coping strategies and advise on positive changes to better manage stress.
5. Go for a walk
A simple walk is a powerful way to relieve stress. Whether you’re dealing with a challenging situation or just daily pressures, walking gives you space to decompress and clear your mind. Walking also helps regulate stress by decreasing cortisol levels while releasing endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that boost your mood.
Researchers have found that a 20-minute walk can enhance feelings of energy and is more energizing than a small dose of caffeine.
6. Improve your workspace
Whether you work in an office, a cubicle, or from home, make your space somewhere you enjoy being. The right workspace can improve motivation, productivity, and overall well-being.
If you don’t have a window, try adding a lamp to counter office lighting. Full-spectrum lightbulbs are ideal because they mimic natural sunlight and keep your energy levels up.
Plants also help create a calmer, more inviting atmosphere.
Finally, practice decluttering. A cluttered workspace decreases performance and satisfaction and can even contribute to stress and decision fatigue. Dispose of papers you no longer need and organize your supplies; you’ll instantly feel more in control.
7. Outsource where you can
Some aspects of your work may be possible to outsource. For example, using a registered agent to take care of your annual report filings, corporate legal correspondence, and Service of Process documents can greatly reduce your stress load. A registered agent is always available to accept time-sensitive documents, will stay up-to-date with Secretary of State business updates and law changes, and can provide physical addresses for your company’s expansion into other states and countries. Utilizing a registered agent will help reduce your workload and your stress level at the same time.
8. Delegate and set boundaries
You can’t do it all, and trying will take a toll on your well-being. Learning to say no or delegating tasks helps you manage your workload and reduce stress. Setting healthy boundaries is essential for your stress levels. And while you may feel obligated to say yes to everything, it means putting your own needs last, which leads to stress, frustration, and resentment.
9. Take up a hobby
A hobby provides a break from responsibilities to recharge, especially when work and life become overwhelming.
Engaging in a hobby can also improve focus and creativity when you return to work. Letting your mind wander in a relaxed, nonjudgmental space boosts confidence and relieves work-related pressure.
10. Take note of your accomplishments
When you’re buried in daily tasks, it’s easy to lose sight of what you’ve already achieved, especially when you are under pressure.
Take time to reflect on your achievements. This will provide you with perspective and remind you how you’ve overcome challenges before. Don't just celebrate significant achievements. Recognize consistent effort, creativity, and resilience, all of which contribute to building confidence, reducing stress, and reinforcing that you are progressing in the right direction.
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Reducing stress doesn’t require a complete life overhaul; just consistent, mindful choices that help you feel more in control. Start small, stay steady, and remember that balance is something you can build every day.
Ready to lighten your workload and reduce stress at the same time? With RASi handling your registered-agent services, corporate compliance, and business licensing needs, you’ll free up your time and mental space for what really matters. Contact RASi today to get started.
