Workplace stress is a very real issue. In fact, according to a study by the American Psychological Association on workplace stress:

• 54% of Americans are concerned about the level of stress in their everyday lives;
• 30% consider their stress levels as “extreme”;
• 62% of Americans hold work as having a significant impact on stress levels;
• And almost 50% percent consider their stress levels as having increased between 2007 and 2008.

In addition, according to the American Institute of Stress, 75-90% of physician visits are related to stress and cost an estimated $200-$300 billion a year. And with the roller coaster that is our economy, stress levels will likely rise. Therefore, it’s important to learn effective ways of coping with workplace stress. The better you manage your stress, the more positively you will impact those around you and the less other people’s stress will impact you.

Here are some tips for managing stress at work:

Don’t over-commit.

Over-scheduling yourself is one of the fastest ways to getting stressed out. If you can, avoid scheduling meetings or appointments back to back. Give yourself some time in between each and also plan for meetings running over in time.

Prioritize your tasks.

If you have too much on your plate, then it’s time to prioritize between the mission critical tasks and those things you can put off. Create a list of all the tasks you have to do and then order them in importance. Get the high-priority stuff done first and then focus on the less pressing issues.

Give yourself more time.

Arriving to work just in the nick of time or being late causes stress. So commit to leaving your house 10-15 minutes earlier each morning. That way, you’ll have some time to ease into your day, rather than rushing around frantically if you’re running late.

Take breaks.

Schedule regular, short breaks to clear your mind. Get away from your desk for lunch or step away briefly and take some time to re-charge. By taking regular breaks, you’ll actually be more productive.

Create balance in your life.

Don’t commit all your time and energy to work stuff – that’s a recipe for burnout. Instead, make sure you strike a good balance between work and home life by scheduling time for family, hobbies, social activities, and downtime.

And if part of your stress is due to a job search, please contact Murray Resources. As a Houston recruitment firm, we can help you locate the jobs that best match your skills and interests. Contact us today to learn more.