It’s so easy to become stressed at work, and you might not even realise it – that’s the scary thing!
We’re all guilty of forgetting to give ourselves plenty of breaks and often overwork ourselves when we’re out to impress.
Becoming stressed at work can really affect your mental wellbeing, you’re likely to suffer from burnout and be generally exhausted.
Finding your zen is all about slowing down and finding peace, which is something we all definitely need to practice.
We’ve done some research just for you, and found 10 top tips on how to find your zen to stop you from feeling stressed at work.
So with that being said, take a deep breath, relax, and let’s take a look!
1. Five Minutes Of Meditation
Even just five minutes of meditation a day can really start your day off right – we promise.
Headspace and Calm are two brill apps to download with plenty of quick meditation guides to start you off.
If you want the free version of Headspace, the basics course includes 10 free sessions as well as stress and anxiety workouts.
Research has shown that just 5 minutes a day is enough to help clear the mind, improve your mood and boost brain function!
So next time you’re feeling stressed at work, it might be worth sneaking somewhere to do a quick 5-minute meditation.
Either that, or do it in the morning to really set you up for the day.
#yougotthis!
2. Wake Up Early
We know this is a bit of a big ask but waking up slightly earlier than usual can really set you up for the day.
Think of it this way – you wake up late, you’re scrambling around to get ready and don’t have time for breakfast…you’re feeling stressed!
But even if you wake up just half an hour early, you’ll allow yourself to grab a coffee and a bite to eat.
If you start your day off feeling stressed, that energy is bound to follow throughout the day!
We’re not asking you to set your alarm for 5:30am (well you can if you want) but just slightly earlier than usual.
Making sure you’re organised and ready for your day can make a whole lot of difference, we’d deffo recommend it!
3. Take Time To Recharge
Mental fatigue is a real thing folks, and if you don’t take time to recharge, you may find yourself feeling stressed at home.
But what does taking time to recharge actually mean? Well, it can be anything, from a quick cup of coffee to a walk around the block.
Whether you’re getting up to move around for a few minutes, or you listen to some music on your way home, there are plenty of ways.
We’d recommend calling a loved one on your lunch break or taking a walk for a few minutes to get some fresh air.
4. Take A Deep Breath
Sounds silly, but sometimes all you need to do is take a deep breath, close your eyes, inhale, and exhale…
Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain to stimulate calmness, it brings awareness to your worries.
It can quieten your mind and keep you in the present moment, and it only takes a few seconds to do!
Check out this article for more information on the importance of deep breathing, you’ll be surprised!
5. Get A Good Night’s Sleep
It’s super important to catch those z’s, which is why we ensure our co-living accommodation is nice and comfy!
When you’re feeling stressed at work, your body will release ‘stress hormones’ which can sometimes keep you awake.
A good night’s sleep can actually have the opposite effect and relax the systems in your body that are responsible for stress!
Long story short, you need to try and get a good, uninterrupted snooze before your day at work.
Of course, we know that’s easier said than done, but you can follow a few steps to help you along the way.
For example, try to avoid screen time before bed, as the blue light may contribute to poor sleep.
Another tip is to maybe read a good book as opposed to going on your phone to make your eyes tired, and take your mind off work!
6. Identify Self-Imposed Stress
Never heard of self-imposed stress? Let us enlighten you!
Self-inflicted stress is stress we inflict upon ourselves, this may be worrying about the future, or worrying about other people’s perceptions of you.
You need to learn when to identify that self-imposed stress is taking place and to try and diminish any of those thoughts.
Perhaps you’re fixating on a mistake you made at work in the past, and that’s affecting your current work?
Whatever it is, try to get out of the habit of doing it and you’ll feel much better for it.
Stop, take a step back from the situation and be confident! You were hired for a reason. So get out there and do your thing.
7. Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard
Remember to take regular breaks! Pushing yourself too hard will result in burnout and you’ll definitely feel stressed at work.
We find ourselves being absorbed in loads of to-do lists and punishing ourselves when we don’t tick everything off.
But our next day at work will always be filled with more tasks, so in reality, is there any point in getting stressed over it?
Work to your limit, and don’t push yourselves too much, take your time and be concise in your work.
You can only do your best, and that’s enough for yourself and your employer! So, stay positive and don’t punish yourself.
8. Make A List Of Priorities
Mastering prioritizing can really make a difference and remove the feeling of being stressed at work.
Knowing your priorities can seriously reduce stress as well as improve your productivity and time management.
If you create boundaries for your workday, you won’t end up feeling overworked and stressed out with piles of work!
Remember to be realistic with your priorities, don’t overdo it, keep your inner zen and work to the best of your ability.
9. Workspace Makeover
Whether you’re remote working in your co-living accommodation or you’re back in the office, a workspace makeover may be needed!
Sitting at a desk with piles of paperwork, empty cups, and general mess is definitely going to add to your work stress.
We’re all guilty of working amongst dirty cups and thousands of post-it notes, which is why we need to get cleaner!
Keep your desk as minimal as possible, maybe pop a plant on there, your diary, and keep just one cup.
Of course, we know that life gets in the way sometimes and you’re not always going to be super tidy, and that’s okay!
But when the day is done, give your desk a quick tidy so that you’re ready for a new day.
10. Go For A Walk
Getting your steps in as well as taking a break? Yes please!
Going for a walk is vital, especially if you’re feeling stressed at work. Whether it’s before your shift, during your lunch or after.
Just getting out there and enjoying the fresh air can really clear your head, it’s so important!
Grab a co-worker if you’re in the office, even if it’s just a quick walk to the shop, it’ll make all the difference.
We hope you found these tips useful to get rid of feeling stressed at work and finding your inner zen! We’re not expecting you to master these points instantly, but baby steps will really help you feel calm and chilled. Here at One Living, we’re all about the good vibes, which is why our accommodation is zen, airy and chilled.