Under Pressure? 9 Steps to Reduce Workplace Stress

Recruiters have it rough. They really do: deadlines, hiring, keeping in touch with candidates, keeping clients/bosses happy. Even as I type this sentence, a to-do list weighs heavy on my brain. In fact, in 2013, 65% of workers cited their job as the significant source of their stress.

Code Green, Level 1, I’m Feeling Like that Refrigerated Cucumber

Being busy isn’t a curse, and it isn’t a sure sign that things aren’t moving smoothly. What isn’t so great is that, when everything is running without hiccup, humans tend to forget how quickly tables can turn. The times when there are few and small bumps in the road are the perfect opportunities to take preventative actions. While you’re chill, consider these steps to keep on this zen level.

Step 1: Organize the physical objects. While most things are digital, taking notes on sticky paper isn’t a completely dead art. That means that neither are piles of paper, picture frames, the apple from lunch, newspapers, books, etc. Put papers in a folder and file them in a drawer. Take the added clutter that doesn’t need to be on your desk and find a home for it.

Step 2: How many icons are on your computer desktop? How many website browsers are open? Word files? Programs? Similar to a real desk, having a lot of clutter around your digital workspace can not only make it harder to find what you’re looking for, but can also slow down your computer.

Step 3: Move things around. A new take on your work space can give you a fresh look at your processes. By building creativity, you might have a whole new idea pop up. Whether you’re in a cubicle, corner office, or working remotely from a coffee shop, the first step to feeling calm is having a calm environment.

Code Yellow, Level 2, I Feel the Pressure Building

The calendar is filling up, the phone is consistently ringing, and coffee can’t come fast enough. You haven’t reached high alert, but it’s near. Consider these steps to lower the temperature before the situation boils over.

Step 1: Check emails periodically. Set a healthy time limit for your position and set alarms in your phone or Google Calendar that will alert you to check your inbox. Then don’t check it a moment before the allotted time. Switching from one project to the correspondence will make you lose focus, and you’ll have to remember where you left off.

Step 2: Have a phone call time limit. Your time is valuable, and while you’re on the phone, you aren’t completing tasks. Unless the call is helping you with a project, limit catching up to another time.

Step 3: Remember what you’re grateful for. When tension rises, give yourself five minutes to consider everything that is going right. Write down compliments, family, friends, plans, trips, your car, clients … anything that brings you some form of joy. It will raise your mood and reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, by 25 percent.

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This article was originally published on Recruiter.com.

photo credit: Chrystian Guy via photopin cc

Maren Hogan

Maren Hogan is CEO of Red Branch and general Bad@$$

Maren Hogan is a seasoned marketer and community builder in the HR and Recruiting industry. Maren started Red Branch Media and, before she hired all the smiling faces you see below, she ran it on her own. In marketing for over 15 years, she has deep experience in strategic campaigns and a long-term, results-based operational approach.