3 Quick and Easy Ways to Reduce Work-Related Stress

Even the most stable, grounded people have felt the weight of the stress brought on by the challenges of the pandemic on top of their own personal work and family challenges. A recent mental health survey revealed that 83% of respondents feel they are emotionally drained. In addition, 85% say workplace-related stress affects their mental health. According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):

1 in 5 Americans have a mental illness.
Less than 1/3 of those affected get treatment.
Employees stated their job is the #1 stressor in their lives and that it impacts their health.
50% of employees want their company to help them with job stress and improve mental health.

Sometimes we are so busy in our day-to-day lives that we may not even fully realize we are struggling and need support. Here are some red flags to look out for that suggest you (or someone you know) may need extra support in dealing with workplace-related stress:

Lower productivity
Poor quality of work
Job dissatisfaction
Low commitment to organization
Absenteeism
High intention to leave the job
Turnover

So what is mental illness, exactly? It’s defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder; a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, or mood. On the flip side, someone who is mentally well is typically:

Engaged
Productive
Happy
Sleeping and eating well
Involved in positive relationships
Motivated with a strong sense of purpose
Holistic

When a person is mentally well, they are much better equipped to cope and manage work-related stress and personal stressors. They understand how to balance and recharge. There are several ways you can improve your mental health and enhance your well-being:

Prioritize – One Size Does NOT Fit All

You can make changes right now to improve and continue to foster an environment that encourages multifamily employee development. If you’re already supporting employee development, consider these tips

Walking meetings
Running and walking clubs
Policies to promote health and well-being

Normalize Mental Health Care and Well-Being

A culture that promotes an acceptance of being well and caring for one’s mental health is important. It will reduce the stigma and likelihood that if help is needed, the employee will seek it out and be supported. You can begin to normalize prioritizing mental health in the workplace when you:

Have an “AMA” (Ask Me Anything) attitude
Use positive language, beginning with onboarding and training and throughout daily conversations.
Look to Human Resources to lead the way with resources, tips, and reminders.

If you need some help coming up with ways to promote wellness and reduce work-related stress in your workplace, consider:

Wellness Wednesdays
Monthly wellness team reports
Annual Wellness Day
Sleep challenge
Morning meditation
Positive affirmations

Embrace the Concept That Self-Care Is Not Selfish!

Research shows that self-compassion increases well-being lessens anxiety and enhances the ability to be compassionate. We must learn to do what we need to do to feel whole and refuel with what gives us meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Sometimes we don’t even know where to begin with self-care, so here are a bunch of ideas for you to consider:

Pedicure
Take a bath
Buy yourself flowers
Get a facial
Get crafty
Star gaze
Have a dance party
Give yourself some “do not disturb” time
Stretch
Have a solo breakfast
Go swimming
Declutter
Wear that outfit
Go to a museum
Go biking
Get a massage
Watch a Ted Talk

When you find yourself suffering from work-related stress or in the middle of a stressful episode in life, here are a few ways you can help to find immediate relief and begin to recover:

Exercise
Get some quality sleep
Limit caffeine
Laugh and have some fun
Limit stressful projects
Prioritize what is truly important

Once you’ve addressed the acute stress, you can start to refuel and recharge. Some tried and true ways to do this include:

Work out
Listen to music
Read a book
Garden
Meditate
Journal
Solve a puzzle
Clean
Take a nap
Walk
Have some family time
Call a friend
Listen to a podcast
Get outside
Paint
Organize

Finally, to maintain your mental wellness for the long term and help reduce work-related stress, make a point to:

Check in with yourself
Be aware of your struggle status
Ask for help when needed
Keep refueling and refilling

In today’s workplace, it is vital that leaders create an encouraging environment that supports employees’ self-care, safety, well-being, mental health, and personal and professional development.

Contributed by:

Amy K Dilisio

National Speaker, Industry Educator & Apartment All-Star