How to Cope With Work Pressure and the Office Environment

Research has show recently that more and more people are suffering from work pressure and job stress. In fact, workplace stress is on the rise. In the United States, experts at the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have found that: Stress is linked to one's physical and mental health and also one's decreased willingness to take on new and creative endeavours. In addition, 25 per cent to 40 per cent of US workers that experience job burnout is due to workplace stress.

More than ever, it is believed that employees stress will cause a major drain on corporate productivity and competitiveness. Not to mention that, depression, which is predicted to be the leading occupational disease of the 21st century, is also one of the causes for more days lost than any other single factor or aspect. In fact, nearly US$300 billion or US$7,500 per employee, is spent every year in the US on stress-related compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health insurance costs, direct medical expenses...etc.

The bad news is that workplace stress is becoming more prevalent as time goes by and workplace stress is a worldwide phenomenon. Statistics from the most recent global stress research study has shown that stress is increasing worldwide and both Western and Eastern countries are going to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress more easily.

There are numerous good benefits for the company if it is able to reduce stress in the workplace for their employees. By reducing stress in the corporate workplace, there will be reduced medical expenses and downtime caused by absenteeism. In addition, by enforcing a stress-free environment in the workplace, there will be a more motivated workforce, higher creativity and innovativeness, higher productivity and so on.

Nonetheless, one can never escape from pressure at work altogether, hence you need to learn how to manage stress effectively. The good news is that, there are a number of natural stress reduction techniques and stress management techniques that you can reduce the negative impacts of stress.

Most of these ways to mange stress depends very much on how you function at work. So what can you do to reduce workplace stress and job stress? The following are some good and helpful suggestions:

* Discover a more efficient and effective way to execute the tasks you do to achieve the same result.

* Learn to manage your time more effectively. Try to prioritise your tasks and duties, involve with things that you can do and avoid taking on more work than you can handle.

* Try to take regular breaks intervally while at work: Go to the washroom to wash your face or take a drink at the pantry. And try to complete on task before you begin another.

* Make sure that your company is offering a work environment that is comfortable and ergonomical. If it isn't, you can simply ask for assistant from your organisation's health and safety officer.

* If you can, you should make sure that you get 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep regularly. I know that sometimes work projects can take out your extra time and you may have to work longer hours over many weeks or months. However, this will only lead you to diminishing work performance, fatigue, insomnia and eventually stress or even depression.

* Most importantly, you need to build a good and amicable relationship with your colleagues and co-workers. These are people who you spend most of your time with while at work. Hence, it is important that we build good relationships and enjoy our time at work.

* Find a purpose to the work that you do. Personally speaking, the road to happiness actually lies in your life passion: Discover what it is that interests you and that you can do well, and when you find it, put your whole soul into it.

The following are addition ideas on how to help you reduce your stress levels:

Exercise Regularly - Exercise is proven and known to help reduce stress effectively. In fact, exercising regularly helps to you to produce more serotonin which is the neurotransmitter for your sense of well-being and happiness. Serotonin also helps to keep our moods under control by helping with sleep, calming anxiety and relieving depression. Do at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. A brisk walk or a swim is ideal.

Learn Relaxation Technique - Learn how to do relaxation technique yourself by calming your body, mind and soul. Relaxation technique helps you to sleep better and relieve stress-related phsical pains such as stomach pains and tension headaches.

Tell Others Your Problems - Do not hid your problems. Simply let it out by sharing your problems with your loved ones or friends. By telling other people about your problems, it can help you to manage stressful situation more effectively and give you a fresh perspective.

Avoid Bad Habits - Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine and cut down on smoking. Instead of helping you, these stimulants will increase your stress levels.

Eat Healthily - Always watch what you eat and have a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also remember to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

Think Of The Positives - At the end of the day, always think of things and work that you have achieve and done. Focus less on unfinished tasks and duties. Do not be too hard on yourself and take things in its stride.