How can you treat stress at work?
There are a number of things you can do to cut your stress levels at work.
1. Take regular breaks
If you can, get outside at lunch and go for a run. If that's too difficult, you could always try these easy exercises you can do while sitting down.
2. Take a proper lunch break
It's easy to grab a sandwich and chocolate bar and not leave your desk, but that's just another way to keep any stress piled on.
There are certain foods that will help you relax. Try foods that contain high levels something called tryptophan - these help produce serotonin that calms you down and makes you feel happy. Turkey, beans and fish are especially good.
3. Stop going to the pub/for a cigarette break
You may think your 10-minute fag break outside is reducing your stress, but smoking actually increases your stress levels because your body is telling you to top up your nicotine.
Any stress relief you feel by having a cigarette will only return later and you'll need another cigarette again soon.
What's more, scientists have discovered that stress levels decrease once you've given up smoking.
Having a glass of wine is no better. We become dependent on alcohol to relax them and booze also disrupts sleep, leaving us tired and irritable and making us more stressed.
4. Talk to someone
You may think you're alone, but most co-workers and bosses should be sympathetic to any stress problems you may have.
If you really feel you can't talk to your boss about the problem, then talk to your HR department.
If you feel uncomfortable talking to someone in your organisation, then get outside help. Your doctor is a good place to start.
More help and advice
- Is anxiety taking over your life?
- Expert tips for beating stress
- Find out more about stress
- Get more facts about depression
- Read more about panic attacks
By Rob Mansfield
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