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25 Simple Ways To Lower Your Stress

This article is more than 7 years old.

One of the biggest problems with the modern workplace is that almost everyone walks around in a constant state of stress.

That's not good for you -- or for your employer, its customers and shareholders.

It is the rare workplace where team members aren't racing from one task to the next, glancing at the clock as they race.

It's fun and exhilarating to move fast and get things done at work, but if you never slow down you will burn out and make yourself sick.

Part of the reason working people are so stressed out is that our mindset around work is outdated. We are in the Knowledge Economy now. Ideas are more important than tasks, but we can't accept it.

We still operate under a Machine Age mindset that tells us accomplishing one more task is the most important thing we could do! It's not.

You will be more effective, healthier and happier when you stop trying to beat the clock and smash through the items your to-do list-- and take simple steps to lower your stress level instead.

Here are 25 simple ways to lower your stress level.

1. Sip. Keep a bottle of water with you and drink from it way more often than you think you need to. Get into the habit of staying hydrated!

2. Breathe. Stop and breathe deeply every half-hour or so. Close your eyes as you breathe and concentrate on your breath. With your mind, follow the air into your lungs and throughout your body. Follow it out.

3. Stand up. Get up and shake your arms and legs whenever you've been stuck behind your desk for too long.

4. Stretch. Stretch your muscles and get your blood flowing as often as you can!

5. Shift focus. Turn away from your work and your to-do list at intervals that make sense for you. Get out of your mental rut and focus on something completely different to wake up your mind.

6. Sift. It's easy to set your priorities for the day and then devolve into busy-beaver mode, plowing ahead without re-shuffling your work. That can get you to waste time and energy on tasks that aren't as important now as they were when they landed on your Must-Do list. Re-sift and prioritize your work several times per day -- it will keep you alert and connecting the dots between people, processes and projects!

7. Muse. Turn away from your computer screen or spreadsheet and think about something more ephemeral -- whatever it pleases you to think about. Muse about your future life or an awesome vacation you'd like to take. You can do this in a few moments. Musing and daydreaming inform our daily lives and futures more than we care to admit!

8. Walk. Get up and walk whenever you can. Go see a co-worker on another floor of your building rather than sending an email message.

9. Chat. Stop by your colleague's workstation and chat with them about whatever you like. Being human at work is a great way to reduce your stress and theirs!

10. Enjoy. Walk outside or anywhere you can feel the breeze and see the sky. Just because you have an indoor job doesn't mean you must block out all awareness of the natural world!

11. Acknowledge. Thank someone you work with -- a customer, vendor or co-worker -- every day. Your thanks can change their mood in a heartbeat!

12. Give thanks. Whoever you feel is in charge of our activities here on earth -- the deity, Mother Nature or the laws of physics -- tell them you're grateful they made all this possible for you. Give simple thanks in your mind even when things aren't going well. Things could always be worse!

13. Suspend. Most of us have something unpleasant on our minds at any given time -- a nagging concern, a vexing problem or a person whose presence makes us grumpy. Suspend those negative thoughts and take a minute to bask in the fact that we are, at least, alive right now -- and that's a pretty big deal right there.

14. Set intention. When you shift from one activity to another at work -- walking into a meeting, getting on the phone with a customer or diving into a project -- set intention for the activity. Say in your mind "This meeting will be easy, smooth and light-hearted" and you will help to make it so.

15. Journal. People journal at home, but there are lots of good reason to keep a work journal, too. You can use your own secret code to write in your journal if you can't lock it up. Taking notes on your daily work will help you capture your ideas, concerns, impressions and brilliant insights -- precious gifts you do not want to squander!

16. Doodle. Doodling is a great stress reliever. Bring your favorite drawing pad and your favorite pens to every meeting if you're a doodler. Don't let anybody tell you doodling is less than professional -- it's your vital connection to the source of your creativity and genius!

17. Reflect. You accumulate powerful Dragon-Slaying Stories almost every day at work, but most of us seldom think of our careers in terms of stories. Now is a great time to start! Think back on the half-day you've just completed, or on the week so far. What are you most proud of? There is a lot to be proud and happy about at work, so why not celebrate those moments, triumphs and flashes of inspiration?

18. Commune. Building community is a wonderful way to invest your time and energy at work. Meet someone new in your workplace whenever you get the chance, and don't forget to introduce people you know to one another!

19. Pace yourself. You won't get through your to-do list no matter how hard you try, because as soon as you check off the last item you'll remember another 15 things you really, really need to do. Pace yourself. Pause and pat yourself on the back whenever you get a chunky item out of the way. You are making progress even when you can't see it.

20. Set limits. Don't let other people increase your stress level by pushing you around. Find your voice a little more every day. Learn to say "No" in polite ways, like "I would love to help you with that but this week, it's impossible" or "Let's schedule a time when I can teach you that procedure -- it'll be nicer for you when you can do it yourself and don't need to wait for me."

21. Organize your space. Our surroundings at work influence our mood and our stress level. Take a moment to organize your workstation whenever its clutter is bothering you -- it's worth the time investment if it gives you peace.

22. Snack. Don't neglect your food intake at work to show yourself and the world how tough you are. Treat yourself to a healthy snack when your body says "Feed me!"

23. Divert yourself. Listen to your favorite song or read a quick article on a non-business website to clear your head, several times a day if possible. This is not a distraction from your "real work" -- it's the energizing pause that allows you to continue doing your "real work" as diligently as you do!

24. Pamper yourself. You can keep a simple self-care kit at work and grab your favorite hand lotion, mints, tea bag or another self-care item whenever you want or need one. Doing your job takes a lot out of you. Take care of yourself while you're there!

25. Speak your truth. The very best way to lower your stress is to speak your truth whenever you have the chance. It will get easier every time you do it. You will empower other people each time you find your voice too. Your vocal cords only get stronger when you use them!

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