Work stress is not a joke or a matter to take lightly. It has significant health consequences that range from relatively benign to potentially serious illness like heart disease and metabolic syndrome. More than physical damages, work stress can significantly affect one’s mental well being and mind. However, the sad reality is, work stress is inevitable and finding a low-stress job is impossible! 

In fact, based on research done by Forbes, more than 40% of adults say they lie awake at night plagued by the stressful events at work. We bet you can relate to this and just praying hard to distress. But how do you keep cool under so many demands? Well, a more realistic approach is to adopt effective work stress coping strategies.

To help you deal with stress at work better, below Beauty Insider has gathered some effective stress management tips you can try if you are finding it hard to cope with work stress. Remember, no matter how tough things get, put your chin up, have a sip of coffee and get the work done. You got this, sista!

1. Start Off Your Day With A Healthy Breakfast

Most of us are often let breakfast fall low in your list of priorities, but trust us on this by just taking just a few minutes to have something to eat can really make a difference to your day. Breakfast is so important because it can provide the body and brain with fuel after an overnight fast. It also pumps your glucose level which is an essential carbohydrate that is needed for the brain to function. Plus, healthy breakfast can also improve your mood and lower stress levels.

2. Stay Organized By Planning Your Day Ahead

Why Planning Your Day is Vital for Productivity (And How to Do It)

One of the main reason why many people get stressed out at work is that they are loaded with work and can’t manage it all at one go. This is why you should plan your workload accordingly. Even if you’re a naturally disorganized person, planning ahead to stay organized can greatly decrease your stress at work. Being organized with your time means less of rushing things last minute. It can also reduce the effects of clutter and allow you to be more efficient with your work.

3. Do Some Light Exercises in Between Your Shift

Exercise is a great stress-buster. Especially spending long hours in your office chair staring at the computer has many negative effects on your mental health. That is why it is good to take a short 1-2 minute break from your office chair and computer, and do some light stretches. Yoga can be an excellent choice, but any form of physical activity can beneficial. 

4. Make Time For Hobbies and Other Activities

Hobbie GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

 Whether it’s reading a novel, going to bars, or playing games with your family, make sure to set aside time for the things that bring you pleasure. Make boundaries and don’t let work get in the way of doing your favourite things. You should have a hobby because doing something you enjoy can boost your mood and increase endorphin release. Plus, it will also keep you distracted from overthinking about your work, dramas and more!

5. Establish Few Work-Life Boundaries for Yourself

Finding Work-Life Balance

Being a workaholic is not a wrong thing but spending your 24/7 just on work is a bit too much. Being too caught up with work will take a huge toll on your life and mental being, that is why it is important to know when to stop. That might mean making a rule not to check email from home in the evening, or not answering the office calls during the weekend. Creating some clear boundaries between these realms can reduce the potential for work-life conflict and the stress that goes with it.

6. Go On Holidays Time to Time To Recharge

Vacation GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

We all need time to replenish to avoid the negative effects of chronic stress and burnout. This recovery is where you go on vacations and not engage in any work-related activities, nor thinking about work. Take time off to relax and unwind, so you come back to work feeling reinvigorated and ready to perform at your best. 

7. Get A Good Eight Hours of Sleep

How to Get More Sleep: Top-rated bedding, devices and more | CNN Underscored

productive people know that you can’t operate at peak performance without the regenerative effects of proper sleep. So don’t skip bedtime! Because a lack of sleep inhibits your ability to cope with even normal amounts of stress, and negatively affects your mood and outlook. The point is, you can’t hope to reduce stress when you’re on edge and irritable from lack of sleep. Does that make sense?

8. Get Some Support From Your Loved Ones

Encoura GIF | Gfycat

Don’t shy away from asking for help from your trusted friends and family members. Talking out your issues with someone can improve your ability to manage stress. You can also join mental health program, including counseling classes or seek a health professional if needed. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by work stress, you may want to talk to a psychologist, who can help you better manage stress and change unhealthy behavior.

9. Look For Humor in Tough Situation

Want to Be More Funny? How to Make Friends at Work With Humor--and How Not  To | Inc.com

When used appropriately, humor is a great way to relieve stress in the workplace. When you or those around you start taking work too seriously, or gossiping it is best you find a way to lighten the mood by sharing a joke or funny story. Also, if you focus on the downside of every situation and interaction, you’ll find yourself drained of energy and motivation. So, by thinking and being positive you can go long way.

10. Learn To Love and Find Passion in Your Work

Do You Love Your Job Sad Job GIF - DoYouLoveYourJob Job SadJob - Discover &  Share GIFs

Last but not least is to love your job. Feeling bored or unsatisfied with your job is the main reason that can cause high levels of stress. When you do something without passion or love it can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health too. So, changing your attitude towards your job as it can help you seriously regain a sense of purpose and control.