Balancing your work life and your social life during recovery can be difficult. Even if you love your job, the workplace can cause stress that erodes your mental health. When long hours, demanding deadlines, or frustrating customers start to take a toll on your health, engage mechanisms for stress relief that can put you back in a healthy mindset.
1. Take Breaks
Focusing on the same task for hours will leave you tired, frustrated, and stressed. The brain was not designed to devote attention to a singular subject for long periods of time. Studies show that taking breaks during the day keeps employees on task by improving focus and information retention.
One practice you can try is the Pomodoro technique. Work in blocks of 25 minutes followed by a five-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break. A study conducted by Staples showed that 20% of employees felt guilty for taking breaks, but nearly 90% of supervisors encouraged taking intermittent rests. There’s no need to feel guilty! Breaks are a good way to stay and task and stave off stress.
2. Ask for Help
A supervisor or coworker may be able to provide emotional support when you feel your anxiety rising. Informing a trusted friend of your condition, its symptoms, and helpful coping mechanisms can release some of the anxiety you feel at work. Confiding in another person may also diffuse anticipatory anxiety. Asking for assistance with your professional tasks when you are feeling overwhelmed is another strategy to protect yourself against a panic attack.
3. Go on Vacation!
Just as taking short breaks during the workday can improve your focus on the task at hand, taking a long vacation allows your body and mind to reset, improving mood and productivity when you return to work. A study from the American Psychological Association found that physical removal from a stressful environment during a vacation reduces stress.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America lists many other tools for reducing workplace anxiety. Adapting your daily schedule to reduce stress and anxiety might be daunting, but it’s important to develop and utilize new techniques that satisfy your personal needs in your professional life.
Gettysburg College reports that the average American will spend over 90,000 hours working during their lifetime. That time should be spent setting and achieving goals in a way that is healthy and fulfilling.
If you’re seeking help with anxiety or other mental health conditions, call Alta Loma today. Our rustic ranch facility located in Texas provides you with a tranquil space to begin your journey toward mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. A team of dedicated mental health professionals will work with you to develop a plan that suits your unique needs. We understand that everyday life is stressful, and we want to help you find the tools to protect your mental health in any situation. If you’re interested in Alta Loma, please call us at (866) 457-3843 for a consultation.
