It can be daunting going to work in a crowded office that has no issues with maintaining a stressful environment. In fact, many people are so stressed out from work that they suffer from chronic fatigue and even heart problems.
Despite this, there are several easy and inexpensive changes you can make to your work environment that can reduce the stress you experience on a daily basis. Here are some tips for doing just that:
1. Make your office less noisy
If you're working from home, set some ground rules for yourself about using your phone and computer speakers.
If you have a family, set some other rules like not watching TV while they're studying or when they need to sleep. Keeping the background noise level low will make it easier for you to concentrate.
2. Limit your screen time
If your work requires you to use your computer for three hours, then it may be worth considering getting a standing desk. This kind of office furniture allows you to set your computer on the desk while standing up and moves the screen angle up while keeping you standing.
You can also get blue light glasses that reduce the glare from your screen, and you can (and should!) adjust the angle of the screen based on how much you're actually taxing yourself physically.
3. Relax with a massage
After a hard day's work, many people get tense and sore muscles. Getting massages at work can help you relax, making it easier for you to sleep faster and longer. Massages also reduce stress, provide some pain relief and increase your focus on your job.
4. Look at plants
Many people agree that plants can be a wonderful addition to any home, but did you know they can also improve your working conditions? Plants can clean the air and help reduce stress, which makes them a wonderful option if you're looking for things to decorate your desk.
One of the most popular choices right now is the air plant, which you can buy in a variety of designs including leaves, trees and even cactuses. You can also put a few of those inside glass bottles to decorate your desktop.
5. Clean up your desk
Besides reducing stress, tidying up your workspace can make it easier for you to stay focused during your working day. If you have a lot of important and useful items on your desk, it's easy to get distracted every time you see them or try to access them. Therefore, it's also a good idea to clear any clutter from your office, especially any items that make it more difficult for you to concentrate.
If you don't have enough room on your desk for everything you need to do every day, then consider getting a rolling office cart or an under desk pedestal for extra storage space.
6. Connect with your coworkers
Studies have shown that when we work with others, it creates a sense of belonging and security. Many workers are so stressed out by their jobs that they neglect this simple way to increase their productivity and reduce the stress they experience at work. If your coworkers are amiable people, then you can even make friends with them and improve the quality of your workday.
However, if you're feeling overwhelmed by your job, then it might be a good idea to talk to your HR department to see what your options are in terms of support.
7. Go green by changing your light bulbs
Replacing fluorescent lights with bright white LEDs or halogens can provide a more comfortable working environment while reducing the amount of lighting needed to get the same results (and save money). Although this is a minor change, it can improve your mood and make it easier for you to focus on the job at hand.
8. Go for a walk at lunchtime
Stress about your work can lead to digestive issues, which can, in turn, lead to potential health problems. Taking a break and walking around the block after lunch reduces the stress you feel from work and makes getting back into work an easier process. If you don't have time to walk around the block, then consider taking some exercise at your desk.
9. Go the extra mile
Sometimes, it only takes a few minor changes to improve your productivity and reduce the stress you experience at work. By setting healthy boundaries with your work environment, you can make working much easier and less stressful. Whether you have a desk or a standing desk at work, you can choose to change the way you work so that it is less stressful. If you can't make those changes yourself, then it might be a good idea to talk to your HR department about making some small changes to help you stay productive.
In conclusion, minor changes can make working much easier and less stressful. If you're always stressed at work, consider making these changes to your work environment. These tips aren't difficult to implement and they will have a positive impact on your life.
