5 easy techniques to move away from stress and overwhelm at work.............

From time to time (or more often for some) we all run the risk of getting feelings of stress at work and feeling overwhelmed by our work load, hours or relationships within the workplace. This is unfortunately very common now.

There are lots of ways to help with these issues when they arise or to try to reduce them happening. Here are just a few of them I think might help…….

1 – Be ok with it!

A very wise man once told me ‘what we resist persists’ and this is very true. Have you ever noticed the more you think about a problem and try to push it away the worse it gets! Then the more you think, worry and avoid and again…… it gets worse! It is only a problem if our mind decides it is and YOU have control over that.

Accept, address and move on. Easier said than done but practise makes perfect so start trying now!

2 – Break it down

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your work load; stop, breath, concentrate on one task at a time and don’t think about the next one or the entirety. Looking at the whole of a project or even working day can be overwhelming and create anxiety and panic. Theses emotions will then create procrastination and the task will seem further away from completion, then that whole process will repeat again, and again and again! Sound familiar?

3 – Breathe

With one hand on the chest and the other on the belly, take a deep breath in through the nose, ensuring the diaphragm (not the chest) inflates with enough air to create a stretch in the lungs. Repeat this 8-10 times. Breathing techniques are great to get you to relax and are great for overall well being too. Practise whenever you feel stressed or commit a daily 10mins.

4 – Take regular breaks

Studies have shown that taking regular breaks actually makes you more productive. So, there is really no need to think that by being at your desk all day you will get more done, you probably won’t and if you do the quality of the work and thinking behind the work won’t be off the same standard. We need to learn to work smart not hard and this technique is great for that.

5 – Find the good and be proud

Filling your head with positive emotions won’t leave room for the negative. Try to think of something you have done well today, this week or this month and take a minute to recognise that. Feel good about it and proud of what you achieved, weather it was at work or in your personal life. Be grateful for all that you have and how you have managed to navigate your way to where you are now. Positivity and gratefulness are hugely helpful in times of stress and overwhelm as it takes you away from those emotions.

 Sophie Kirk Lic Ac, BSc (hons), MBacC, diploma in CBT, FET

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