Work-related stress can spill over into every area of your life. It is important that you get your work-related stress under control. About 33% of respondents to a recent survey reported that they feel extremely stressed. Stress is not only an uncomfortable feeling, it can negatively affect your overall health. It is time to do something about that workplace stress. Follow these five tips for controlling your workplace stress.

5 Ways to Cope With Work Related Stress

Start Moving Around

Sometimes, when the stress becomes too much, you must get up and walk away, both literally and figuratively. Get up, leave your desk and go for a walk. Walking away for even 15 minutes from your job can help you to reset, and reduce some of the stress you are feeling. If you can take an exercise break during lunch, even better.

According to Statista, about 66 million people went on a run between 2008 and 2014. People that run as part of their lifestyle understand that “runners high” helps to control their stress levels. While it may not be practical to go on a run in the middle of the workday, a brisk walk can be just as good. An exercise break in the middle of the day can help to clear your head and reduce stress. According to the experts, exercise is one of the best stress busters.

Talk To HR

Many larger companies have plans in place to help employees cope with work-related stress. Your human resources department may have some solutions. They may be able to adjust your work schedule to help fit work into your lifestyle better or they may have programs that you can join that are focused on reducing workplace stress. About seven out of ten workers report that they think the responsibility is of the employers and leaders to set the right tone to support and encourage workplace diversity, lifestyle balance, and more. Many employers and leaders have responded with initiatives to help employees manage their lifestyles and work balance. Ask HR if your company offers support to manage workplace stress, you may be surprised to find they do.

Desk Meditation and Yoga

Try meditating your stress away. Sit quietly for a few minutes and practice some meditation. There is also something called “desk Yoga” that can help. Going to a Yoga studio may not currently be a part of your lifestyle, but you can still benefit from practicing it at your desk. Yoga is all about bringing in the positive energy and releasing the negative energy, and that is exactly how you can reduce workplace stress. Try it out for a week and see if it helps.

Look For the Silver Lining

Everything in life is temporary, including deadlines, a big project, your company being shorthanded, and stress. If you can change how you look at your job, it can help to reduce the stress you feel about your job. Look for the reasons to be grateful for your job. Keep in mind that the situation you are currently in that is driving the stress levels up is temporary and it will pass. Start an “attitude of gratitude” journey by making gratitude a part of your lifestyle. Every day, write down three good things about your job. It does not have to be three big things, it can be as simple as you love the muffins in the break room. Training your brain to see the good can help to reduce stress and keep you focused on the positive.

If All Else Fails

If you have tried it all, and nothing is working, you have two choices. You can seek out professional help to get your work-related stress under control to improve your lifestyle, or you can look for a new job. It may sound drastic to move on, but in some cases, it is the best option. When you are doing the absolute best that you can to overcome the stress, and yet you feel like salmon swimming upstream, it is time to make other career decisions. Life is far too short to miss out on the lifestyle you deserve.