Founders battle stress on a continual basis, learn what you can do to keep yourself healthy and sound during stressful work times.
By: Kristen Scarlett, MA, LMHC, NCC from One Medical Group, a doctor’s office designed around patients’ needs
Most of us have experienced work stress at one point or another. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 percent of working people say that their job is the primary stressor in their lives. Stress can affect productivity at work and take a toll on personal relationships and emotional and physical health.
8 Ways to Balance Work Stress
Although you can’t always prevent work stress, there are steps you can take to make it more manageable. Here are a handful of ways to maintain a healthy balance:
- Get enough sleep. Most people need between 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Try to go to sleep and wake up around the same time every day.
- Eat a balanced diet. Stress can weaken your immune system and increase your body’s need for certain nutrients, so eat right to stave off fatigue and sickness. Eating well also can help you stay focused, energized, and healthy as you encounter stress at work.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise not only relieves anxiety, but it also provides you with the energy you’ll need to deal with new issues as they arise.
- Set boundaries when possible. Some obstacles at work probably can’t be avoided, but you have the power to set your own boundaries. Every once in a while, turn your smartphone off and take a break.
- Take a walk. During unavoidable late nights or hectic periods, make it a point to walk around the block every few hours to clear your head and move your muscles.
- Take a breather. If an interaction with a client or your boss leaves you anxious, depressed, or angry, take a moment to walk away and practice deep breathing until you feel calmer and can return to the conversation.
- Maintain a work-life balance. Make weekend plans that don’t involve work, such as a bike ride or a picnic in the park with friends.
- Try not to bring your work home with you. If you must, set aside personal time as well. It’s easy to burn out if you don’t stop to evaluate how you feel.
Read on for tips on coping with work stress and how to distinguish between stress and depression.
About One Medical Group
One Medical Group has redesigned health care with you in
mind. We offer same-day appointments, email access to your doctors, online appointment scheduling and more. With conveniently located offices and appointments that actually start on time, you get more personal time with your doctor.
Thankfully, this kind of tailored medicine comes at a price you can afford. One Medical members support our practice with a low annual membership fee of $199. We accept most PPO and HMO plans to cover your office visits and provide a simple fee structure for those without insurance.
Exclusive Offer
Get your first three-months of membership free with promotion code WOMEN2013 ($149 offer; normally $199) and become a member today at onemedical.com. Offer is good for new members only and expires January 1, 2014.
