Stress associated with work can take a significant toll especially if it goes unchecked. But controlling stress isn’t always possible, regardless of whether you’re on the ground floor or in the C-Suite. The fact is, you may not have a say in how many projects land on your desk, the number of emails you receive, or the volume of orders you get…or a whole host of similar stressors. However, you can control your response to stress and take tangible measures to manage your mental health.  

Check out these tips to help you stay productive and content while on the job:

1. Pay attention to signs of stress. Everyone exhibits stress differently, so it’s important that you understand and remain aware of your stress indicators so things don’t snowball. Some common stress signals include (but are not limited to):

• Fatigue
• More frequent illness
• Insomnia
• Rapid heart rate
• Digestive changes
• Headaches

2. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of pausing for thought before reacting to a situation. Pausing helps you become aware of your response so that you can respond in an intentional manner instead of acting out of habit or impulse. Gaining control over our reactions can help us gain perspective on the situation and feel calmer in the long-run. 3. Make a plan. When you notice signs of stress in your professional life, stop and examine potential underlying cause(s). Addressing the root of the problem can help prevent it from occurring in the future.Pro-tip: write down your symptoms of stress, suspected triggers, and your plan for managing future stress. Use this to keep track of progress, just as you would with a project at work. 4. Use relaxation techniques. Activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga can:

• Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
• Improve energy
• Elevate mood
• Promote relaxation
• Lower blood pressure

5. Reframe negative thoughts. Chronic stress and worry can create negative patterns of thinking and an overall gloom and doom attitude. Break the cycle by noting your negative thoughts and take mindful action to reframe them in a positive light. Consider positive outcomes and possibilities until you create a more positive cycle of thinking.6. Take time to recharge. You don’t expect a machine to keep running without proper maintenance, so you shouldn’t expect yourself to keep working without adequate care. Downtime is essential when we spend so much time working. Take sick time when needed and vacation days and personal time if available. Be sure to get enough sleep, set aside time for recreation, and eat nourishing meals to promote recovery from stress and continued productivity on the job. Looking for a new job opportunity to decrease your stress and increase your work-life balance? Premier Talent Partners can help you find a great temporary, contract-to-hire, or direct hire role in a superior work culture. Let us help!