Stress at Work? 14 Tips to Make You Feel Better

Monica Wilson October 10, 2011

Thousands of people hide their fears and weariness behind their smiles. Experts call this condition as smiling depression. According to Dr Cosmo Hallstrom, a psychiatrist in London, people with smiling depression are those who wouldn’t admit they are depressed and won’t even give you a clue of what they really feel inside.

Stressors are always around. Learning how to manage your stress can make a big difference on your attitude and perception towards work. Here are 14 tips to help you fight stress:

1. Healthy breakfast for a hard day’s work!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Make sure you eat healthy foods. Instead of munching on the usual bacon-and-egg breakfast, why not have some cereal and yogurt? Healthy breakfast doesn’t just take away the stress but it also gives you energy for the day.

2. Prepare a ‘to-do’ list

When you’re organized, you can get away from stressful situations. Before you start the day, make a note of all the things you need to do for the day so you wouldn’t go about saying "oh my god, I need to do this right now!" all the time.

3. Pass the coffee break. Coffee breaks have always been part of the workplace. When you get so tired, you get up from your workstation and you take a cup of coffee and you’re ready for another task. However, this wouldn’t help you. The smell and taste would just remind you of a stressful work.

4. How about a cup of green tea?

Opt for green tea and not black or English tea. Studies revealed that green tea contains polyphenols, a substance that reduces the damaging impact of stress in the brain and helps release calming chemicals in the body.

5. Spare a little time for cuddles.

Nothing beats the feeling of being loved. Connecting physically (hugging, kissing, holding hands) with the people you love greatly reduces the stress hormones in your body.

6. Stressed out? Chew a gum.

There are times when we just couldn’t help but feel so stressed and ill-tempered. In this case, you want to chew a gum. Chewing gum actually lowers cortisol and reduces the feelings of anxiety. The faster you chew, the calmer you’ll feel.

7. It’s time for a vacation!

When you’re motivated, it’s very likely that you don’t get stressed. Plan a vacation and make it the best. It’s time to look on your datebook and cross out the perfect time for a holiday getaway!

8. Plan something nice this weekend

Or maybe tonight – what do you think? Why not see a movie with your friends or dine out in an Italian restaurant? When things get so boring at work, put some twist in your life by doing something different.

9. Don’t turn on the TV yet

Don’t become a couch potato after a long and hard day at work. Watching TV would not help you get rid of the stress. Run, do some yoga, or punch a bag at the gym, you feel good when you exercise because endorphins get released after exercise, and give you renewed passion for your healthy lifestyle.

10. Look for another job

When you love your work, you experience more of the pleasure than the stress. If you constantly feel depressed, bored or stressed at work, then perhaps it is time to move on or find a new job elsewhere. Still, this requires an intelligent decision so give more time to think about it.

11. Treat yourself with spa

Perhaps going to the spa is one of the most relaxing things to do. Once in a while, reward yourself of hard exercise, a massage or a spa. You don’t have to feel guilty about spending 20 minutes away from whatever is so important in your life. You deserve it!

12. Find a listener

Talk to your family or friends when you feel stress, don’t just keep it in mind. Find a counsellor will be a good idea. Meaningful relationship will also help you combat stress.

13. Get some relaxing therapies

Why not experience some De-stress therapies such as aromatherapy? The smell of essential oils like lavender, and roman chamomile will surely de-stress your day! You can also have some massage and meditation.

14. ’Stay hungry stay foolish!’

Stay hungry for the thing that you love, because by doing the thing you love, you eventually become better. It’s only when you find the job you love that you’ll get inspired and you will not feel you are the slave of the job or your employer.