5 Habits to Help Reduce Stress at Work

Are you feeling a little overloaded right now or that you have too much on your plate at work?

No matter how much you love what you do, work induced stress is something that is becoming more common.

Nearly every client I see in my clinic is experiencing some form of workplace stress and its affecting their energy levels, waistline and overall health.

But there are a few simple habits you can implement this week in order to begin reducing your level of stress at work.

Below are 5 habits that I recommend to my clients to help them with reducing stress in the workplace:

HABIT 1: SET YOUR INTENTION EACH MORNING

When you set your intention for how you want to feel that day it can make a huge difference to how the day pans out. It takes just 2 minutes before jumping out of bed in the morning!

Simply tell yourself how you want to feel today (i.e energised, alert or motivated) then visualise what it would be like feel energised, alert or motivated. Give it a go tomorrow morning, it really does make a difference.

HABIT 2: PRACTICE 5X5 BREATHING

Taking a few minutes out of a hectic day to consciously breathe can significantly reduce your stress levels, having an almost immediate effect. Simply breath in for 5 exactly seconds then out for exactly 5 seconds on a continual loop for 60-120 seconds.

This not only helps with reducing stress it also helps clear your mind and re-oxygenate your body so you have more energy throughout the day.

HABIT 3: PICK YOUR TOP 3

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed by your workload or struggling to keep up with your task list then practice spending 15 minutes each morning reprioritising each task then focusing on the top 3 items that must get done today, things that will make the biggest difference and impact in your job.

When we try and do all the task at once it can be overwhelming but when we reprioritise and focus on a few things at a time we feel more in control and calmer.

HABIT 4: CONNECT WITH NATURE

Spending time in nature has a massive impact on many aspects of stress management, from reducing muscle tension, lowering your heart rate to eliminating feelings of anger, stress and overwhelm.

This can be as simple as taking a lunchtime walk around the block to get your daily dose of vitamin D, enjoying a picnic lunch in your local park or even placing an indoor plant on your desk for that localised oxygen flow!

HABIT 5: CUT BACK THE CAFFEINE

f you are having more than 2 caffeinated drinks per day, you could seriously be contributing to your elevated stress levels. Caffeine not only increases the “stress hormone” cortisol, but it can also block the absorption of adenosine which has a calming effect on the body.

Instead have a healthy energy boosting snack or drink i.e veggie sticks with hommus or a green smoothie!

I hope one or more of these habits are helpful in reducing stress while at work.

And, if you'd like some help and support with reducing stress, losing weight sustainably (without dieting), increasing energy levels and/or improving your relationship with food why not book in for a nutrition consultation? I offer consults via Telehealth or In-Person.

For more information or to book an appointment visit:https://www.louiseellennutrition.com.au/nutrition-services