Managing stress in the workplace

Working can provide a sense of responsibility, opportunities to learn and financial reward. But it can also place demands on our bodies and minds, which can leave us feeling tense and over stretched.

Some pressure at work is normal. Pressure isn’t always negative; it can help motivate us and make changes in our daily lives.

But too much pressure can create stress and sustained exposure to stress is linked to mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, and to physical problems.

Physios know that back and neck muscles are particularly sensitive to the effects of stress. This can cause pain and sometimes headaches too. All this can prevent us enjoying work and doing our jobs effectively.

It also costs employers millions of pounds each year in sickness absence.

Physical activity – good for reducing stress!

Evidence shows that exercise can do more than just help manage body weight and prevent disease. Being physically active promotes mental wellbeing and reduces or wards off stress by:

• causing your body to release chemicals which help lift your mood and make you feel more relaxed
• focusing your attention away from issues that make you feel stressed and onto what your body needs to do to run, kick a ball, or swing a racquet
• helping you release pent-up stress and tension and making you more resilient to pressure.

Getting started

Almost any form of physical activity can provide relief from tension or stress. The smallest steps can go a long way to improving your mental wellbeing, while also helping you look and feel better physically.

Active travel

• Travel actively by walking or cycling as part of your journey
• Get off the bus or train one stop earlier and walk the final part of your journey.
• If you drive, park further away than usual
• At train stations and car parks, take the stairs instead of lifts or escalators
• Cycling is great for fitness and a good stress reliever – it can also save you money on fares or fuel.

Easy exercise at work

Too much time spent sitting at a desk or doing repetitive tasks can contribute to the development of back, neck and arm pain and other health problems.

Breaking up your day so that you rotate your time spent doing other tasks, and moving and stretching regularly can help you think more clearly and be more efficient and less stressed.

• Take the stairs instead of the lift at work and, where possible, walk further to use water coolers and other office equipment
• Rotate your tasks. Alternate sending emails with going to speak to people.
• Wear a lightweight headset and stand up to make some of your phone calls. Don’t wedge the phone between your head and shoulder
• Take all your breaks and get away from your workstation. Go for walks at lunchtime, or sign up for a class like aerobics, or Tai Chi
• Don’t skip meals and do drink water regularly.

Maintain good posture

Good posture helps keep your joints healthy and strong. You’ll also breathe more freely which will keep you feeling calm and relaxed. So sit or stand ‘tall’ with your shoulders back and your core (tummy) muscles slightly pulled in. In good posture, your spine, shoulder and hip joints will all be well aligned.

Whatever your occupation, it’s important to practise good posture for the tasks you’re expected to do. Bad habits, such as slouching, along with stress and anxiety can affect posture - causing you to hunch your shoulders, for example.

You can be referred to a physiotherapist by your GP. Or, in some places, you can contact your local NHS physio yourself.

Out of hours

Ensure you help yourself by making the most of your holiday allowance and the scheduled break times you are offered.

Avoid taking your work home with you and make the most of your free time to do other activities you enjoy.

Combine this with eating well and getting a good night’s sleep and you’re much more likely to feel mentally refreshed and ready to face the working day.

Employers

Good employers are keen to help their workforce stay healthy – it’s in everyone’s best interest to keep staff happy, motivated and productive.

Do what you can to promote good physical and mental health in your workplace by providing a supportive environment and ideas for activities in and around your location. Much of this can be achieved for little or no cost and can bring real benefits in terms of reduced absence.