STRESS RELIEF WORK IDEAS

and the Costs of Work Place Stress.

10 Causes of Workplace Stress

Stress relief work ideas and the costs of work place stress.There are many causes of stress at work and the costs of work place stress can be detrimental to our health and well-being! Today's society is filled with anxiety and pressure as we go about completing daily tasks and responsibilities to survive in this fast paced world. A lifestyle filled with stress makes it hard to lead a healthy life. Some people respond by overeating, drinking alcohol, smoking, etc. These may relieve stress for a short period of time, but they add further health risks.

The first step in relieving stress is to become aware of your stressors. What is stressing you out? The next step is learning stress relief work ideas to deal effectively with stressors. Regular stress relieving and coping strategies will help you stay on track for a healthier lifestyle.

Get work and life in balance. Do you feel that the only life you have is work? That all your thoughts, energy and time are consumed by your job? That you are a slave to your work and therefore have very little time and energy left for family, friends and outside interests? If so then something needs to change. Because a life without proper work-life balance can seem like no life at all.

Work attitudes and stress among employees The effects of work stress can cause chaos in all aspects of our lives, including in our personal relationships and especially with our health.

Job stress has a huge impact on the work attitudes of employees. Costs of work place stress would be an increase in sick days, a higher turnover of employees and a drop in productivity.

Other costs of work place stress is that it has a huge impact on our physiology and emotional and mental states. When you experience work place stress it impacts on your nervous system, immune system, your mental capabilities - including your ability to concentrate and juggle tasks. Under stress you might feel the pressure as your body starts to complain with headaches, migraines, colds, irritability, displaying aggression, etc.

Everyone knows then when you feel "down" it affects your attitudes...and if you are stressed at work it affects your work attitudes. Stress relief work ideas should be implemented daily to keep your stress levels balanced.

What would your ideal work place environment be?

Take into consideration the different causes of stress at work. When you have a better idea of what the particular stressors are in your workplace you can start to implement stress relief work ideas and manage your stress at work.

Stress is a normal part of our lives. Good stress keeps us motivated in a healthy way to achieve our goals and better a better person. Bad stress is chronic and lasts for a long time with detrimental affects to our health and wellbeing. Stress is a normal part of the work place too.

Stress Relief Work Ideas:

Time-out: Your brain has a limited capacity. Schedule regular break and time-out throughout your work day. Also notice when you are loosing your train of thought, it means its time for a quick break.

Keep it balanced: Notice your thresholds with stress and when it gets too much!

Interruptions: Interruptions from other people at work can slow down your progress. Establish rules that allow you to focus on your work.

Make a list: Make a list of things to do when tasks seem overwhelming. Check each one off as you do it.

Goal-setting: Organise your work load according to time constraints. You can work through your list of things to do and see clearly if you are on track or whether you need to discuss with someone time your constraints.

Tackle one task at a time: Focusing on one task at a time allows you to get through your checklist.

Letting go of control: If someone offers you a lending hand when the pressure is on, it might be time to pass some of your work load and relieve your stress.

Emails:Set time aside for checking and responding to emails. Organising your time will help you avoid the pressure and stress.

Laughter is good medicine: Its instant stress relief. Laugh! Smile! Its a quick way to relieve stress. Find something funny in your day.

Health Eating: It might help to plan your meals so you ensure you are eating healthy.

Relieving Stress by Exercise: Stretch your muscles during a work day and relieve muscle tension in your body.

Aromatherapy: Using aromatherapy at work has the potential to relax you and create a more peaceful environment.

Organise: Keep an organised work space. Keep on top of your work schedule.

Deep Breathing

Lie down and make yourself comfortable. Place your hands on your diaphragm (solar plexus) and stomach.

As you breath, notice if only your chest rises. The focus in deep breathing is to make both your chest & your belly rise with each breath. Some say that when you do deep breathing it gently massages your internal organs.

Set aside 5 minutes each day to practice deep breathing. You’ll notice that when you do deep breathing your body relaxes in response.

As you become comfortable with this breathing pattern, use it whenever you feel your body tense or feel stressed.

Stress Relief Work Ideas continued...

Identifying Priorities:Time is precious. Identify what jobs 'need' to be done first. It can be useful to sit down with a colleague or manager to work out an effective strategy to get things done.

Productivity: Consider what times of the day you are most productive. How do you waste time throughout the work day. What can you do to manage your time effectively?

Coffee: Coffee is proven to wake-up your brains cells, but for a limited time only... it actually stresses your body out more!

Stress Balls: Buy a stress ball and use for stress relief at work.

Prevention of work stress:

Sleep: Get plenty of sleep to keep you alert throughout the day.

Exercise: Exercise regularly to keep those happy endorphins flowing and your stress levels balanced.

Relaxation: Make time for relaxation when you are not work. You will revitalise your energies and feel happier going to work! **********************************************************

Try this for Instant Stress Relief at work!

Stress Relief Work Ideas

Desk mobility exercise:

1. Raise and drop your shoulders slowly 5 times.
2. Roll your shoulders 8 times.
3. Bend your torso side ways - one side and then the other.
4. Move your head and stretch your neck
5. Take a deep breath in and release with a long slow sigh.

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How does stress affect your health and body?

Relaxation Techniques to Relieve Stress!

Tips for Coping with Stress


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