A survey by JetCost has found that a third of UK workers feel too stressed to book holidays
Mindfulness is a massive movement at the moment, relating to many different aspects of life including self care, mental health and the workplace. But recent research has found that up to a third of UK workers still feel too stressed at work to even book some time off. This can create a vicious cycle in which stress becomes worse with no time to recharge and recuperate.
So what can you do to fight off the stresses of daily work? Thankfully, there are many simple steps you can take to feeling calmer and more in control when getting through the grind of 9 to 5. Syntax IT Support London are here to take us through a few key steps to succeeding in today’s multi-tasking, information-overloaded office environment.
Put down the device
One of the worst habits in today’s society is keeping half your brain locked on your surroundings and the other half scrolling through your smartphone. Remember, if you’re trying to focus on more than one thing then you’re not giving anything your full attention, which can make tasks seem more stressful.
So if you’re having a discussion with your employer or a colleague, give them your full attention. Don’t take your phone into the meeting and don’t spend the whole time they’re talking thinking about how you are going to respond. By giving them 100% of your attention, you’ll feel more informed and less confused.
Stop and listen
Once a week, try to spend your lunch break fully unplugged. Avoid sitting at your desk, scrolling through your phone or browsing the web, and instead find a quiet spot to truly unwind and take in your surroundings. Don’t try to determine what the sounds around you are or where they are coming from — just listen.
This is called intentional listening, and is a popular way of quietening your mind. So if you’ve had a busy morning full of emails, clients, tasks and noise, this is the perfect way to rejuvenate over lunch.
Use the opposite hand
It might sound odd, but switching to your non-dominant hand for a few minutes when writing, typing or dialling can make you feel more present in the moment. This is a way to assess how we unconsciously move through our lives. You don’t have to think twice about something when using your dominant hand, but switching things up makes you slow down and focus.
Breathe
If there is a task you’re particularly dreading, like writing a report, sending an email or giving someone a call, take a deep breath before you start. Three deliberate breaths will slow your heart rate and give you a moment to assess how you’re going to tackle this task in the most efficient way.
Watch your posture
Posture is about a lot more than whether you’re standing up straight. It can affect your health and even your mood, so take a few minutes every day to correct how you’re sitting. Desk jobs are notorious for leading to back and neck pain, so bring your shoulders back and take a deep breath. This will help you feel more focused.
Clean and protect your PC
If your computer is stressed, you’ll feel stressed too. There is nothing more frustrating at work than feeling ready for a task but being unable to do it efficiently due to a slow computer. Back up your files and introduce reliable anti-virus software to make sure all your documents stay safe and accessible.
If your IT worries are really stressing you out, consider getting the help of an experienced IT support company.