Self-Care Tips For Job Stress

• Exercise – it burns off the physical effects of stress, such as excess adrenalin or
  fatigue. Regular exercise gives us energy, combating fatigue caused by stress.
  
• Make sure you get enough sleep – it helps us to be able to think clearly to tackle problems.
  
• Eat a nutritious diet – the body needs adequate nutrients to be up to the task of dealing with both long and short-term stress.
  
• Develop and use a support system - make friends and keep them. Having someone to confide in is important both at work and in your personal life. Sharing feelings with positive people you can trust is an important step toward solving your problems. Avoid relationships with “negative” friends who reinforce bad feelings.
  
• Take time off – Take a vacation or a long weekend. During the workday, take short breaks to stretch, walk and relax. To relax, take several deep breaths throughout the day. Have regular stretch breaks. Stretching is simple enough to do anywhere and only take a few seconds
  
• Manage your time well. Set priorities, make a to do list and do the most important things first. Set realistic goals. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Schedule difficult tasks for the time of day when you are most productive. Spend time on easy tasks when you feel low on energy or motivation.
  
• Take charge of your situation by taking a few minutes at the beginning of each day to prioritize and organize your day.
  
• Learn not to overextend yourself by taking on projects that are not expected of you if you don’t have the time. Set limits; learn to say “no” when necessary in a friendly, but firm manner.
  
• Choose battles wisely – Don’t rush to argue every time someone disagrees with you.
  Save your argument for things that REALLY matter.
  
• When you are upset, use your calming skills, don’t act on your first impulse. Give your anger time to subside.
  
• Avoid self medication. Don’t use alcohol, drugs or caffeine, which may feel good in the short term but have long term harmful effects and actually add to your problems.
  
• Remove yourself from a situation that will never change, if appropriate.