The Results Are In: Most Effective Ways to Deal with Work-Related Stress

In honor of April being National Stress Awareness month in the U.S. and Canada, we asked our readers about the most effective ways they deal with work-related stress. More than 1,800 people participated in the poll and with 14% of the total vote, “set boundaries/leave work at the office” was the top choice, followed closely with “exercise/yoga/etc.” in second with 13.5%, and “take mental breaks throughout the day” in third with 12.5%.

The rest of the results were as follows:

  • Take a vacation/day off – 12.5%
  • Vent to trusted coworker/friend – 10%
  • Listen to music/podcasts/etc. – 9%
  • Organize/clean your workspace – 8%
  • Get more sleep – 6%
  • Talk to your supervisor about the situation – 5%
  • Meditation/relaxations techniques – 5%
  • Change diet/eat healthier foods – 3%
  • Professional therapy/counseling – 1%

Additionally, approximately 2% of respondents chose the “Other” option and submitted their own thoughts on how they deal with work-related stress, including:

  • Chocolate/junk food
  • Gardening and woodworking
  • Reading the Bible/praying
  • Get a new job

Need a Quick Fix?
During a busy workday, it’s often hard to find time to truly focus on addressing stress, so it’s important to find ways to give yourself a quick, stress-relieving boost. In a previous Refresh Leadership article, we highlighted several short, but effective, ways to hit reset and refocus your mind at work.

  • Express Your Creativity
    Doodle (1 min. – 10 min.)—Even though you’re all grown up, there’s no reason why you can’t doodle at your desk! Adult coloring books have become very popular and companies are beginning to offer them as a way to keep your mind active.
  • Find Your Zen
    Zen Garden (1 min. – 3 min.)—Don’t have time to get away from your desk? Try your hand at a small Zen garden. Create designs in the sand and add natural elements to the garden to help transfer energy where you need it most.
  • Get Physical
    Fidget (1 min. – 2 min.)—Join in on the latest fad, fidget gadgets. They are convenient and quiet, allowing you to take a mental break without anyone ever knowing.
  • Catch Some Z’s
    Power Nap (10 min. – 30 min.)—If you’re someone who can sleep anywhere, a power nap might be the best reenergizer for you. During your lunch break, close your office door or go to your car to maximize your sleep session.
  • Jam Out
    Play Music (5 min. – 10 min.)—Download an instrumental or synthesizer app on your phone and tap away. There are some ingenious apps that can challenge your musical mind. If you work from home, turn up the amps and really jam out. Breaking away from the norm and entertaining your musical side can get those creative juices flowing again.

For more quick-fix ideas, check out the full article. And be sure to tell us how you relieve stress throughout the day in the comment section below.

 

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