Techniques to Reduce Stress While Working

Do you often feel stressed at work or overwhelmed with the tasks you have to complete throughout the day? Here are 8 tips that can help you feel more focused and productive that our team uses when feeling stressed:

1. Take short, more frequent breaks throughout the day. Short and frequent breaks will increase productivity in the periods of time that you are working and help you relax during the breaks, whereas working for too long will cause you to lose focus and become distracted. During these breaks, you should walk around or talk to coworkers, both of which will release muscle tension and help relieve stress. 
2. Reduce digital distractions. Digital distractions, particularly your cell phone, can instantly take your focus away from your work, whether it be excess incoming calls and texts or the temptation to scroll through social media. To refrain from doing this, turn your non-work-related notifications on silent, which will keep you focused on the tasks at hand. During your set breaks you can check these notifications.
3. Manage your workspace. Your workspace can be one of the most important aspects of reducing your stress. A clean and organized area can produce a lighter feeling and creates less stimulation for your brain. A decorated workspace can make it feel more like a home and will make you more comfortable in the area.
4. Set goals. Goals can help you properly prioritize your tasks to make sure the most important tasks are completed first. Writing down your goals can also provide you with a way to keep track of your tasks and your progress.  Make sure to write out your daily tasks in order of importance so that you are aware of all upcoming deadlines.
5. Get to know your coworkers. Friendships in the workplace can allow you to have more fun and perceive your work as more lighthearted. Friendships allow you to have a built trust system, an outlet for asking questions, and a way to talk out your problems.
6. Healthy snacks. Many people often use eating as a way of coping with stress. Healthy snacks can fulfill this need as well as providing your body with proper nutrition, as well as contribute to better focus. 
7. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. A consistent sleep schedule helps you to establish a routine for your day. This routine sleep schedule can help you maintain optimum levels of alertness during the hours you are awake and working and provide you with a way to exert control over your day. 
8. Ask questions. If you are confused with a task you have been presented with, ALWAYS ask someone who can assist. This will help you gain knowledge and expertise, especially if you are a new member of the organization, and will also help you build connections with your coworkers.

 What do you do to reduce workplace stress?