2 November

3 Ways to Manage Stress at Work

In recognition of International Stress Awareness Week which runs until Friday 3 November, our This is Me team reached out to individuals in various industries to discover effective ways to manage stress at work.

Stress is a prevalent issue affecting people's mental health worldwide. According to the Mental Health Foundation in the UK alone, 74% of adults have experienced stress to the point of feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope.

1)     Prioritise Self-Care and Mindfulness

Richard Martin, Principal Consultant at Byrne Dean and Executive Officer of the Mindful Business Charter, highlights the importance of incorporating self-care and mindfulness into your daily routine. He emphasises several key strategies:

• Physical Activity: Incorporate movement into your day. Regular exercise, even if it's a short walk or a 10-minute yoga session, can make a significant difference in managing stress.
• Check-in Emotionally: Regularly assess your emotional well-being. Recognise your feelings, and if you find yourself overwhelmed, take steps to address them.
• Prioritise Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for managing stress. Make sure you're getting enough rest to help you stay mentally and emotionally resilient.

2)     Goal Setting and Celebrating Small Wins

Amelia Abbott, an Actuarial Senior Associate at PwC UK, emphasises the power of goal setting and meticulous time management in stress reduction:

• Set Achievable Goals: Define daily goals that are attainable. Prioritise your tasks and create a plan to ensure that you're organised and on track.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement can boost your self-esteem and motivation. 

3)     Seek Support and Step Outside

Catalina Gonzalez-Hirst, an Event Manager at The Lord Mayor's Appeal, understands the pressures of her role and offers valuable insights on seeking support and incorporating movement into her day:

• Talk to a Colleague: When feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted colleague. Sharing your feelings with someone on your team can provide you with a fresh perspective and a sense of control.
• Step Away and Get Fresh Air: Take breaks by stepping away from your screen. Fresh air and physical activity, even a short walk or a brief yoga session, can help regulate your breathing and ground you. 

Managing stress at work is a challenge that many individuals face, but there are effective strategies to help alleviate this burden. The advice from Richard Martin, Amelia Abbott, and Catalina Gonzalez-Hirst emphasises self-care, goal setting, time management, and seeking support from colleagues. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can better manage stress and create a healthier, more productive work environment.

To learn more about supporting your colleagues and teams dealing with stress, consider participating in our upcoming This is Me Autumn event, 8-10:30am on Thursday 9^th November which will provide insights into creating psychologically safe workplaces and encourage the sharing of ideas to improve staff mental wellbeing.

Register for the upcoming This is Me event here 

Access a range of tools and guides to support your journey towards reducing workplace stress at our This is Me Hub here