Let’s face it, working can be a source of stress for many people. Along with the everyday things that occur at the average job site, like dealing with frustrated customers, making quotas or reaching goals, stress can come from many other external and internal sources. Knowing how to deal with and reduce stress at work is key to being successful and staying healthy emotionally and physically. Read on to find five ways to reduce stress at work.

Breathe.

That’s right – it’s actually a physiological response that many don’t realize they do. When the pressure is on and stress is coming at you from all directions, take a moment to take some deep breaths through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Do this at least three times in a row. When you breathe like this, your brain will receive an extra burst of oxygen so that it can function and think more clearly. Doing this will also refresh your body and spirit and give you a more energized feeling. The best part is that you can breathe anytime you feel stress coming on anywhere you happen to be.

Accept Stress.

This may seem a little backwards, but when you realize that stress is something that happen naturally in life you will have a better attitude about it. This doesn’t mean you should give in to stress. Just see it for what it is. Then you choose how you will react to it. Don’t let stressful situations dictate to you how you should feel or act. Take a second to step back and see the big picture – and ask yourself if it’s worth it to react quickly and get upset or think logically and deal with it with professionalism and poise.

Make Changes.

We may not have control over the kind of stress that occurs in the workplace, but there are healthy ways of dealing with it that anyone can do. If you find that a particular situation or task gives you stress, evaluate if there is a better way to manage this aspect of your job. Can this task be shared with another colleague? Can you take more time to complete a task or ask for help when needed? If dealing with a certain customer seems like a chore, ask someone else to step into that place once in a while. Sometimes its better to just be honest with yourself and make changes that will result in a more positive result and less stress.

Avoid Bad Habits.

It goes without saying, but engaging in unhealthy habits can actually increase the levels of stress chemical in the body making it more difficult to cope. Spend less time smoking, drinking, and complaining and spend more time exercising, eating healthy and participating in positive activities. The more you work towards a healthier lifestyle outside of work, the better you will be able to cope with stress when it does occur at the job. Be positive and more positive things will come your way.

Smile.

Believe it or not, smiling uses less muscles than frowning and it makes you and others feel happier at work. Take the time to smile at people you pass in the hallways or in the break room on the job. Greet customers with a smile and use plenty of eye contact. Before you know it, you will start learning to cope with stress with a smile instead of that knot in your stomach. Smiling makes the world a better place and reduces stress at work.

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