Approximately 75 percent of American adults experience moderate to high levels of stress, according to a January 2017 report from the American Psychological Association. The study also reports that 31 percent of these adults say that their stress levels have increased in the past year.
Causes of stress vary depending on the age group, but it is undeniable that it is present at any age. For instance, millennials are stressed over their financial needs, while a huge percentage of working adults are stressed about family or work.
A study conducted by Statista in the UK shows that stress in the workplace is the biggest threat to employees’ health. Workloads and relationships among coworkers are among the top causes of stress, the research shows. Because of these statistics, the World Health Organization has dubbed stress as the “health epidemic of the 21st century.” Stress has cost businesses in the United States around $300 billion annually.
Apart from causing employees to perform poorly at work, stress can also take a toll on their health. Many employees admit to feeling stressed and need help managing it–some employees find that their coworkers do need help in managing stress.
The good news is you don’t have to live with it. Stress can be managed and there are tried-and-tested ways to do so. Here are some of the techniques for beating stress at work or in you daily life activities.
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1. How to Beat Stress at Work
Most stress-related situations occur at work, which is why it’s important to address them once you recognize you’re under stress. One of the most popular tools for managing stress in the workplace is by squishing a stress ball. This lets you release negative energy and emotions, allowing you to relax and de-stress.
Another way to manage stress is to recharge. If a situation is starting to get difficult, take a breather. You can go out for lunch with friends or take a quick break and go outside. To better manage stress, keep track of what causes it so you can avoid getting in the same situation again.
Learning how to respond to stress in a positive manner will help eliminate the consequences of resorting to alcohol, stress eating, or getting frustrated over a situation. Take the time to slow down, appreciate, and reward yourself from time to time. This includes spending time doing things you love and being with friends and family members who make you feel good and happy.
Also Read: How to Follow Your Passion without Quitting Your Day Job
2. Streamlining the Work Process Can Help You Reduce Stress
One of the major reasons employees feel stressed is a heavy and hard-to-manage workload. Streamlining processes and systems is an efficient way to lighten the workload and have each member of the team on the same page. Employers can use workplace management software to provide employees with efficient induction training, as well as upskill training.
From induction and training to accounting and project management, you’ll be surprised as to what these software can cover. One of the best benefits of using a program for helping manage the workload is it can be customized, too. There’s also no need for employees to stress about extending office hours since they can access the online software virtually anytime, anywhere.
3. Beat Stress with Stress Management Apps
Managing stress on the go is a need that has been addressed by stress management apps. These apps are available on Android and iOS, making them easily accessible to everyone who owns a smartphone that has access to the internet. Here are our top picks for apps that can help you manage stress.
Pacifica
This app tracks your behavior to help you spot stressors and help address or avoid them. Pacifica allows the user to learn more about their moods, thoughts, and thinking pattern, which allows them to change their behavior for the better. It also helps you relax using therapy, effectively reducing or eliminating stress.
Calm
Meditation is a known stress reliever, but not many people know how to meditate. Calm teaches you how, allowing you to relax and relieve stress. You can pick from its collection of meditations, which come with relaxing sounds and nature scenes.
There is a free trial period for seven days, with a monthly fee of $9.99. And you will surely get the value of your money worth with this amazing stress management app if you truly want your employees to manage stress efficiently and be on top of their game.
Acupressure: Heal Yourself
Anxiety is often brought about by stress. The human body has pressure points that when pressed ease the tension. Acupressure is an anti-anxiety app that shows you massage techniques you can use to alleviate anxiety.
Acupressure: Heal Yourself has more than 90 DIY pressure point combinations you can use (without any needles, of course). This comes pretty handy when you’re trying to manage stress in the workplace.
emWave2
Emwave is a workplace stress management app that uses a different approach. It tracks your heartbeat, lets you know when your heart rate is getting faster, and helps you slow it down to a healthier pace. The app features games that help you achieve a happier state while doing other tasks. What’s good about this app is the user will know more about their stress triggers, making stress easier to manage or avoid over time.
Headspace
Headspace is a comprehensive app that helps users combat stress through guided and unguided meditations. What’s so good about this app is it covers most of a person’s life phases, making it an effective solution in alleviating stress.
Apart from meditation, Headspace comes with a free 10-day trial that helps the user build a solid foundation on meditation and mindfulness.
If you feel you are suffering from stress, it pays to give the above solutions a try. Stress may seem like the norm these days, but if left unmanaged, it can wreak havoc on a person’s life. One of the indirect causes of cancer these days is stress, since it can affect an individual’s overall wellness.
Stress doesn’t just damage you mentally; it can also affect you emotionally and psychologically. It can lead to anxiety and can ruin careers and relationships. Don’t wait for stress to have a negative impact in your life–it is best to address it early on with the help of effective workplace management tools.
There are many ways stress can way you down, this article offers actionable steps to manage stress and beat stresses hands-down. If all these are not enough to manage your level of stress, make an appointment with a psychologist. A professional will be able to create a personalized approach for your situation and guide you on your way to living a balanced life.
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