In today’s fast-paced working environment, stress is a common challenge that we all encounter. It acts as a silent disruptor that can impede the productivity of a team and undermine the well-being of individuals. You can find stress in every industry, and the complex construction and insurance industries are certainly not exceptions.
Chronic stress in the workplace can lead to a host of issues, including decreased job satisfaction, a reduction in efficiency, and an increase in absenteeism. Moreover, the impact does not stop at the office door; it can extend into personal lives, affecting health and personal relationships. It’s crucial to understand that avoiding stress entirely is unrealistic. Instead, the focus should be on implementing practical strategies to manage stress effectively. Here are four ways to make stress, well, less stressful.
Take one thing at a time. Often we get stressed out when we have a lot on our to-do list. So we try doing multiple things at one time. Here’s the problem: Research shows that multitasking makes most people more stressed, not less! Studies also suggest that multitasking doesn’t help most people increase their productivity. Focusing on one important task at a time can help you get more accomplished, which in turn can help relieve stress.
Establish boundaries. In today’s world, it’s easy to feel pressure to be available 24 hours a day, especially when you’re managing a team of people. But all that connectivity can cause a great deal of stress. Establish some work-life boundaries so that you get a rest from work. You could, for example, have a no-phone policy while you’re having meals with your family or block off time each evening to not answer texts or e-mails. Take vacations. And make sure you commit to unplugging from work and technology at regular intervals.
Keep your to-do list as small as possible. But wait! You have a lot to do, right? And it’s been shown that people who make to-do lists tend to get more done. However, if your to-do list is too long, it can be counterproductive. Try to keep your to-do list realistic and manageable.
Eat healthy and get enough sleep. Getting too little sleep and snacking all day on processed foods with little nutritional value and/or relying on caffeine to get through the afternoon can make you feel more stressed. New research shows that simple things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and taking short walks throughout the day can be powerful de-stressors. Try to make small changes each week, such as bringing a healthy snack to the office or going to sleep a half hour earlier. Remember that it takes about a month for most people to form a new healthy habit.
By adopting stress management techniques, individuals can mitigate the adverse effects of stress, ensuring that they remain productive and fulfilled both in their professional and personal lives. Remember, it’s about managing stress intelligently rather than eliminating it.
