5 Ways to Lower Stress at Work

Everyone experiences stress from time to time. In fact, 79 percent of Americans are concerned about the level of stress in their daily lives.
 
Whether it’s routine stress, traumatic stress or sudden stress brought on by a negative change like losing your job or developing an illness, these types of stress carry physical and mental health risks.
 
The Covid-19 pandemic also can cause stress in many ways for your employees. It's important to encourage your employees to find healthy activities to maintain their well-being.
 
So how should they, and you, relieve stress? Here are five simple ideas you can share around the office and put into action now.

(Shareable infographic at the end)

Get outside
Just 30 minutes per day of walking can help boost your mood and improve your health. Taking a walk allows you to enjoy a change of scenery, which can get you into a different frame of mind. If taking in some fresh air over your lunch break isn’t possible, sit next to a sunny window while you eat. Are you already scheduling your next team meeting outside?

Set your priorities
Make a list of your goals and priorities, whether it’s for home or the office, and decide what must get done now and what can wait. Then, at the end of the day take a minute to review your list and be mindful of what you were able to accomplish, rather than what you have left to do.
 
Stay connected
It’s important now more than ever to stay emotionally connected while staying physically apart during these unprecedented times. Keeping in touch with people who can provide emotional support and practical help is key. Does your small group health insurance plan offer behavioral health support similar to Allied’s HealthChoices? HealthChoices is a benefit that not only helps our Funding Advantage members find the right diagnosis, the right treatment and the right provider for their health care needs, but saves them money in the process. Starting a conversation with a health care professional could help if stress is affecting your relationships or your ability to work.
 
Take a deep breath
Do you sometimes come out of a tense meeting and need to clear your head? A few minutes of deep breathing can restore balance. Inhale for five seconds, then exhale in equal counts through the nose. Doing this a few times will make you feel like you just finished a 90-minute yoga class. Go ahead, try it now before you read tip number five.
 
Eat right and sleep well
Wondering how you can help your employees on this one? Make healthy snacks available in the break room. "Eating a healthy diet can reduce the negative effects of stress on your body," said Matthew J. Kuchan, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at Abbott, a global health care company. "A healthy diet builds a solid, more enduring foundation for your body by reducing oxidation and inflammation and by helping to reduce weight gain."
 
Managing stress at work is partially about your mindset. Your outlook can have a huge impact on your ability to cope with everyday stressors. So, for yourself: stay positive, resist perfectionism and focus on what you can control. For your employees, take some time to create a work environment that promotes employee well-being.

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Allied National

Founded in 1970, Allied is one of the nation's oldest and most experienced third-party administrators. Allied National is a 90 Degree Benefits Company, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield Alabama. As the small group benefit experts, Allied works with small business employers to provide unique and affordable group health benefits.