As a result of growing competition, jobs nowadays are getting more and more demanding. Owing to continuous work pressure, stringent timelines, and lack of recreational activities, the employees are subjected to work stress more than ever before. However, to lead a peaceful life, it’s essential for employees to handle work pressure efficiently & maintain a proper work–life balance. Below are some simple yet effective tips that can help you combat work stress in a much better way.

Learning how to manage pressure at work is crucial to your mental and physical health. Below are five tips.

1. Begin your day on the right note

   Mornings are usually busy, with most of us scrambling to do our chores and gulping down coffee instead of eating a healthy breakfast. Without realising it, we often start the day on a stressful note, which affects the rest of our day. Instead of doing everything hurriedly, you should wake an hour earlier than usual and begin the day on a positive note. Doing so eliminates stress triggers for the rest of the day.

2. Set the right expectations from the get–go

   Today, companies prefer multi–taskers, which causes burnout. If your requirements keep changing and you don’t know your role at the office, stress is likely to set it. Instead of taking on everything, you should talk to your managers and have your role defined clearly. Discuss expectations and strategies to deal with work stress.

3. Plan your day ahead and stay organised

   The most effective way to deal with stress at work is to plan your to–do list for the day ahead of time. You can create the plan 15 minutes before clocking out the previous day or early in the morning when you start work. If your work demands several ad–hoc requirements, pencil in an hour or two for the same in your to–do list. Staying organised can reduce your work stress considerably.

4. Identify self–imposed stress

   Most of us are guilty of imposing stress on ourselves. We tend to seek others’ approval and build a perception of us being dependable, thus biting off more than we can chew. Being too caught up in others’ perceptions of us increases stress levels. Once you stop thinking about others’ opinions of you and concentrate on your work, stress will disappear.

5. Learn relaxation techniques

   A simple way to deal with stress at work is to slow down and be conscious of your surroundings purposefully. Practice deep breathing exercises, meditation and mindfulness to calm your anxiety. Avoid eating at your desk in front of the computer. Also, take short walks and multiple tiny breaks to relieve stress.

Work stress has contributed to increased incidents of heart attacks amongst youth, with people in their 30s and 40s being hospitalised for the same. Thus, it is critical to invest in a health policy. Remember to buy a good health policy with a high sum insured. Your health insurance goes a long way in relieving you of yet another stress, one induced by rising medical costs.