Are you feeling overwhelmed at work? Are you struggling to stay focussed and productive? You’re not alone. And while stress is a natural response to challenging situations, too much of it can have negative consequences on our health and productivity. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for dealing with stress at home and staying focused at work!

What is stress?

Stress is a normal physical and mental response to challenges in our environment. When we perceive a threat, our bodies release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase our heart rate and blood pressure, and prepare us to either fight or flee the situation.

How stress affects productivity:

When we are stressed, our bodies go into “fight-or-flight” mode. This is a natural survival mechanism that allows us to deal with perceived threats. However, this response is not meant to be sustained for long periods of time. When we are constantly in a state of stress, our bodies are unable to properly function and our productivity suffers.

How to deal with stress:

The best way to get on with life is, of course, to relieve some of your stress. Some effective coping mechanisms include:

Talk to someone about what you’re going through:

Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone about your stressors. This can help you gain some perspective and find new ways to cope. You might even consider talking to a therapist who can help you find coping strategies

Healthy eating habits:

Eating foods that are high in antioxidants and vitamins can help to boost your mood and reduce stress levels. Some stress-busting foods include: dark chocolate, berries, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help you feel calmer and more

Breathing techniques:

Deep, slow breathing helps to slow down the heart rate and calm the nervous system. This can be particularly useful when you feel extremely overwhelmed.

Yoga and meditation:

Yoga combines deep breathing with physical activity to help reduce stress. Meditation allows you to focus on the present moment and let go of stressful thoughts.

Take breaks throughout the day to relax and rejuvenate:

This can be something as simple as taking a few deep breaths or going for a walk outside.

Identify your triggers and try  to avoid them:

If you know there are certain things that tend to stress you out, do your best to avoid them.

Make time for yourself outside of work:

Dedicate some time each day to do something you enjoy. This can help you relax and de-stress.

How to stay focused at work:

In the short term, you still need to be able to get through the work day in times of stress. Here are some simple tips for doing so:

• Set realistic goals for each day and week. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Create a list of tasks to complete each day. Checking items off your list can help you feel more accomplished and motivated.
• Take breaks when you need them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and rejuvenate.
• Eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone and close your email browser when you need to focus on a task.
• Focus on one thing at a time. Trying to do too many things at once will only lead to frustration and mistakes.

By following these tips, you can learn how to deal with stress at home and stay focused at work!

This Post Is Part Of A Series: 101 Toolbox Topic Ideas For The Construction Industry
Do you struggle to come up with toolbox talk ideas each week to discuss with your workers? Fear no more, Work Safety QLD is here to the rescue with 101 Free Toolbox Talk Ideas for the Construction Industry.