Stressed at work? You are not alone. After all, ‘Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness’. ~Richard Carlson. As we are experiencing one of the worst recessions in years, everybody is trying to prove their worth so as not to get retrenched. It is a recession if someone you know gets retrenched but it is a depression if YOU are the one who get retrenched. Before you get depressed, here are 20 ways to lower your stress level so that you can work optimally.

1. Avoid tight fitting clothes. Tight fitting clothes prevent you from taking deep breaths and will make you feel uncomfortable.

2. Always prepare for the morning the night before. Be it presentation, assignment or a project. Make sure that everything is done before the deadline. Always have a plan B just in case.  

3. Mix with positive people. Let their optimism affect you so that you will look at things in a positive way too.

4. Break big and difficult tasks into bite-sized portions to make it easier for you. Take one step at a time and do not be stressed by the sheer size of your work. 

5. Organize your table. Cleaning and organizing things have a certain calming effect to some people, especially women. A neat table makes for a better working environment too.

6. Smile! Compliment someone. You will be surprised at how your day can be brighter just by receiving a smile back from a stranger.

7. Play with your kids or pets. It has been proven that playing with kids or pets help to reduce stress level. It is because kids and pets are like the free spirits that we can never become. Thus, interacting with them helps to lighten our moods substantially.

8. Walk in the rain. If you do not want to catch a cold or have people staring at you on the street, take a cold shower instead.

9. Believe in yourself. Stop saying negative things to yourself. Instead, visualize yourself winning and being successful.

10. Read a joke, or tell a joke. Get in touch with your humorous side. It will help to take your mind off work for a moment.

11. Find support from others. Meet up with your friends and share your problems at work. You can also request for someone to vent your anger or frustration at. Examples: partners, spouses, family members, etc.

12. Have some ‘me’ time. Go for a spa or read a light story book curled up in bed to refresh yourself. Remember this quote ‘The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it’.  ~Attributed to both Jim Goodwin and Sydney J. Harris

13. Try something new. Bungee jumping or rock climbing, anyone? By trying out something new, you are telling yourself that you can do it; work should not be a problem.

14. Make an effort to look good. Exercise and maintain your weight. If you look good, you will naturally feel good and confident. If you are confident, you can overcome any stress.

15. Strive for excellence, NOT perfection. Do not put too much stress on yourself. It is damaging to you your career and most importantly, to your mind.

16. Hum your favorite song or a catchy song. A song can change your mood. Upbeat songs will definitely lift your spirit.

17. Watch a comedy and laugh out loud during the show. You can even watch a funny video clip on Youtube. It is a cheap and simple way to relieve stress.

18. Scream (not at people, please). Enough said.

19. Keep a journal or something that you can vent your frustration at. A scribble on paper can relieve stress as much as talking to someone. A squeezable toy is also a good enough stress reliever.

20. Get enough sleep. You tend to be cranky when you do not get enough sleep. A good night’s sleep or forty winks can effectively rejuvenate at work. 

Hope this article can help you to start the week in a great mood!

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