Long hours, unrealistic targets and heavy workload can often lead to stress in the workplace. Some pressure at work can be motivating, however when the demands become excessive, stress can potentially effect your health. Read the following top 4 tips to help beat stress in 2012!

Tip 1: Prioritize and be organised

Try to leave earlier in the morning.Don’t add to your stress levels by running late for work. Leave your house about 10-15 minutes earlier in the morning, giving you more time to ease into your day. 

Make time in your day for planning. Every morning make a list of all the tasks you have to do, and tackle them in order of importance. Try to estimate how long each task might take you and leave a bit of time at the end of each day for ‘catch-up’. 

Delegate responsibility. You don’t have to do it all yourself. If there is a task that can be shared, than take this opportunity and share it or delegate it to someone else. Try to let go of the desire to control or oversee every little step.

Tip 2: Make time for fun and relaxation

Don’t push yourself to your limits. It’s important to create a balance in your working week.

Make time for recreation, exercise and plenty of sleep. At the start of each week, think about when you have scheduled time for fun activities, ‘me-time’ and exercise. Set a general working day bedtime, so you get your 7-8 hours of beauty sleep.

Certain activities, such as playing computer games, may cause a release of adrenaline, which in the short-term can make you feel more alert.  However, in the long term, this can make you feel tired and unable to deal with stress. Instead, try to incorporate some relaxing activities into your week. Try taking a long bath, listening to music, curling up with a good book or going for a walk.

Tip 3: Adopt a healthy lifestyle

A healthy body is important for a health mind.

Increase your resistance to stress by strengthening your physical health. Aim to: exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, limit your caffeine, alcohol and sugar intake, avoid cigarettes and drugs, and get enough sleep.

Try to eat a variety of wholegrain, fresh fruits and vegetables. During periods of increased stress, your body has increased requirements for particular vitamins and minerals.  Vitamin B, folic acid, vitamin C, zinc and magnesium are all important for supporting your adrenal function. Ensure your diet is filled with a variety of foods, such as green leafy vegetables, berries and wholegrain, that are high in these nutrients. Additionally, you may like take a vitamin B complex, such as Swisse Ultivite B, to help boost your energy and ease your stress.

Tip 4: Adjust your attitude

Learn how to say “no”. Know your limits and stick to them. Taking on more than you can handle may win you brownie points in the short term, but if you take on too much and fail to deliver, it can be a disastrous long-term strategy.

Have a positive attitude.  Negativity can leave you feeling drained of energy and motivation. Try to think positively about your work, avoid negative-thinking co-workers, and congratulate yourself on small accomplishments, even if no one else does.

Add humour to your day.  When used appropriately, humour is a great way to diffuse stress in the workplace. Try not to take everything too seriously and add a few jokes or funny stories into your day. Everyone enjoys a good laugh!

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