In honor of International Men's Health Week, here are some healthy and effective ways to handle workplace stress.
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Notice what's stressing you out. Take a week and jot down situations you perceive as stressful, including the setting, people and your reaction. This can help you see where change is needed.
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Accept that you can't control it all. Instead of aiming for perfection, just do your best. When put in perspective, is the situation that is causing you stress as bad as you think?
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Develop healthier responses. After that meeting that went south, did you hit the vending machine or tank up at happy hour? While substances may offer immediate relief, they create additional stress long-term. Making healthy food choices, getting enough sleep, exercising, and taking the time for activities you enjoy are better bets for stress management.
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Establish tech boundaries. In a 24/7 world, it’s easy to feel like you’re always “on.” While different industries have different expectations around availability, consider not checking email after 6 p.m. or putting the phone in another room during dinner. These practices can help you focus on loved ones and allow you to relax.
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Stay connected. Talking with friends and family, and planning pleasurable activities, can help reduce stress. Physicians, therapists, or clergypersons are confidential resources who can offer stress-reduction suggestions, too.
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Talk with your boss. Healthy employees are an asset. Have a conversation with your supervisor about specific patterns or responsibilities that are adding to your stress levels. Collaborate to develop an effective plan for making changes.