Expert Office Advice

Stress is a natural part of everyone’s life, whether personal or professional. Healthy level of stress can be good and useful, but stress overload results in anxiety and panic attacks, moodiness and depression, irritability and negative physical symptoms. In some cases too much of stress drives the sufferer to resort to drinking, smoking and overeating.

The most recent survey carried out by Badenoch & Clark shows that 9 in 10 office workers in the UK feel stressed, with a third (32%) being often stressed.

How to reduce stress levels at work?

Avoid overscheduling. Be firm with your schedule and if it looks too cramped, cut out the activities that are less important.
A good night’s sleep is a must. Try not to stay up too late, and if there’s something you need to finish by the next morning, try getting up earlier – your mind will be fresher and you will complete your task quicker.
Learn to relax. For some, this can be a long walk with their dog. For others – attending yoga classes or going to the local swimming pool. Remember to have your own relaxation routines and do it regularly. If you feel like you need some ‘me’ time, take it.
Exercise and eat healthy. Playing squash or badminton at your local leisure centre, riding a bike for an hour now and then, or even speed walking to your local newsagent instead of going by car will make you feel better.
Change careers. If nothing else helps to combat your work-related stress, it might be worth rethinking if you are in the right profession that seems a bit radical, sometimes changing the company you work for might ease the pressure.