According to Forbes, 40% of adults say they lie in bed awake at night plagued by the stressful events of the day. Do you fall into that 40%? It’s hard not to, as the average business professional has an average of 31 to 100 projects on their plate and is interrupted seven times an hour at work!
So, how can you maintain a steady focus throughout the day and still have energy left over after work? Sharon Melnick, Ph.D., a business psychologist, offers the following strategies to manage stress at work.
- Take a Deep Breath – It sounds easy enough, but do you put this exercise to use? If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need to clear your head, a few minutes of deep breathing will restore balance. Try inhaling for five seconds, holding and exhaling in equal counts through the nose.
- Eat Right and Sleep Well – Getting enough sleep is critical for the body to recover. If racing thoughts keep you up at night, try this simple breathing trick from Melnick: Cover your right nostril and breathe through your left for three to five minutes.
- Identify Self-Imposed Stress: I f you’re too caught up in others’ perceptions of you, which you can’t control, you become stressed out by the minutia.
- Prioritize Your Priorities: With competing deadlines and fast-changing priorities, it’s crucial to understand your role in the organization, the company’s priorities, and your personal goals and strengths. Focus on the projects that will have the most impact and are best aligned with your goals.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by work stress? Contact me for a free consultation on how I can help you achieve your career goals.
