Stress at work: 6 tips for taking care of your health

According to conventional wisdom, there is good stress and bad stress: one would allow the employees to give their best at work while the other would be harmful to their health. There is no good or bad stress scientifically speaking. We measure the negative impacts of stress by checking its duration. 

If you are faced with a daily work overload, a difficult work environment, a lack of technical or human resources, stress can become chronic and even lead to occupational burnout.  

Reduce your stress at work

Here are some very simple tips that, by changing your habits, can help you avoid stress at work or minimize the effects: 

No. 1 Take the time to rest 

An obvious tip you would say. Well, not for everybody. By shortening your nights or not taking breaks during your workday, you gradually increase your fatigue. Once it sets in, your stress tolerance drops dramatically. Remember to save at least 10 minutes of your workday to practice relaxation exercises, to calm yourself or to go out to get some fresh air. 

No. 2 Your planning must always include buffer time 

Avoid one of the most stressful situations: something unexpected happening mixed with a fast approaching deadline. By planning buffer time in advance, you minimize the risks. If a problem arises, you can tackle it calmly. If everything goes as planned, you will have more time for yourself. 

No. 3 Success must be your driving force, not your performance 

By setting a goal beyond your means or abilities, you expose yourself to constant stress. And if you set unrealistic goals, you're likely to never reach them. Try to do your work as best as possible according to your current abilities and limitations. 

If necessary, do not hesitate to ask your colleagues or your superiors for help. 

No. 4 Look at the bright side of your failures and enjoy your successes 

Nobody is perfect, even the best can fail (this is what makes the ideas of "victory" or "success" that much more enjoyable). You should know that a failure does not call into question your intrinsic value. Take the time to analyze your failure and incorporate it into your experience. You will be better prepared for next time. 

You should also understand that your successes are not a coincidence! They are a direct result of your actions, your experience and your expertise. Remember to celebrate these moments with your colleagues or with your loved ones. In times of doubt, do not hesitate to remember your successes. 

No. 5 Learn to say "NO" 

Never say "yes" if you want to say "no". Do not go ​​for the "yes" if you aren’t sure to be able to keep your commitments. It is wiser to refuse to do something today rather than being held to an impossible standard tomorrow. 

No. 6 Think of yourself 

Feeling good about yourself helps to minimize the effects of stress. Do not forget to indulge yourself at least once a day, for example: choose an outfit that you particularly like, have a cup of your favorite tea or discuss one of your interests with a colleague. 

You should also be aware that negative personalities have a bad influence on your morale. Remember that you do not have to carry the despair or resentment of others on your shoulders. Escape from the complainers and the pessimists by reducing your time with them to the minimum (taking into account good manners and your activities at work).