Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992. Here at FXC Intelligence, we take the wellbeing of our employees very seriously and have put together a short guide on how to deal with stress in the workplace.

If you're like most people, work gives you a sense of purpose, or at least the feeling that you need to earn your own money and take care of yourself. Of course, this sense of responsibility is a benefit, but relentless stress is not. Stress affects you whether you realise it or not.

Although the office can certainly bring its share of enjoyable moments, stress is the norm. In addition to workplace stress, the strain of life outside of your 9-5 can send even the most resilient employee into an anxiety-fueled tailspin.

It doesn't have to be this way. Although circumstances may feel out of your control, you possess powerful stress-management tools that can help you stay positive and productive under pressure. This article provides some of our top tips for managing stress at work. 

Recognising the signs and understanding the causes

Recognising the signs of stress in the workplace is the first important step to help you understand the situation. Lack of motivation; a decrease in productivity and confidence; increasing physical distress symptoms and heightened mood swings are all indications of stress that you should be looking out for. 

It is important to be aware of these signs as, if they are ignored, they could grow. Ultimately, prolonged periods of stress can lead to employees taking time off work, a weakened immune system and even longer-term physical and mental issues.

As well as spotting the signs, understanding the causes could also help you reduce the amount of stress you are feeling. Workload and management styles are common work-related reasons for stress, but there may also be external factors beyond your control. Non-work factors can also contribute to stress, as employees may bring their personal issues to work with them.

Give yourself a break!

You are entitled to take time off, so make sure you use it! Giving yourself time to relax and reset could have a positive impact on the way you feel and the way that you see your workplace. Whether you plan a vacation, a staycation or even a week on the sofa, your body needs time to recharge and refocus.

Even during your working day, step away from your daily activities and give yourself a short break to allow for your mind to reset every now and then. Have a walk around the office (or your garden if you’re at home), go and make a drink and just allow yourself to be in a different environment.

Talk to someone

Whether it be your manager, a colleague or even just a friend – make sure that you talk to someone about the way you are feeling. Don't be ashamed about how you feel and have the confidence to speak up and be open.

Talking about your issues can release pent-up feelings, which in turn could make you feel a lot better. Saying the problems out loud could actually initiate a way for you to work round it and combat any issues. Utilise your support frame at work and trust that your fellow employees and/or management will help you navigate around the negative feelings.

Enforce an active lifestyle

Exercise in almost any form can act as a great stress reliever. It releases endorphins which can improve your mood and help you feel more relaxed. Additionally, it can take your mind off of daily worries and allow you to focus on something positive.

If you are feeling stressed at work, use your lunch break to go on a walk. Take yourself away from the situation and allow yourself to reset whilst clearing your mind. Keeping active can improve your mental health by helping you sleep better, improving your moods and giving your brain something else to focus on.

Everybody is different, and there is nothing to say that the above will fix your problems and completely remove your stress. Acknowledging the issues that you are encountering and understanding that your feelings are valid is the first step in helping you reduce your stress levels and any negativity that you are feeling.

Please see this additional resource by Mind if you are unable to resolve your stress at work internally.