4 tactics to reduce stress at work

A stressful work environment can often lead to a wide range of health concerns. Here are some tips to help you cope with stress at work.

• "Toxic people" are those whose negativity seems to drain or annoy you. This might be your boss, your assistant, your colleague – in other words, they are people with whom you frequently interact.
• After a negative encounter with a toxic person, the temptation is to be angry and accusatory. But that leads nowhere.
• Instead, try this direct, honest and disarming approach: "I am finding our interactions stressful because of — — and am feeling bad about — — . I would like our working relationship to improve. What suggestions do you have for me?"
• Even if you feel that the other person is the one who should change, by asking for his or her suggestions, you avoid putting that person on the defensive.
• If your colleague is even a little bit reasonable, this might make him or her admit, "Well, I suppose there are some changes I could make too."

• Make a display in your office to remind you of your life outside the office.
• Include pictures of your spouse, children and/or pet, a photograph of yourself doing something fun, plus a memento that reminds you of a special occasion.
• When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed and stressed out, take five minutes and simply stare at the display.
• Recall the day each picture was taken.
• Hold the memento and return in your mind to the place where you got it. Now you're ready to return to work.

• This is a journal you keep in your desk drawer (preferably locked).
• Write in it whenever you feel your temper rising, your frustration growing or your despair increasing.
• In it, you can write all the things you'd like to say to the boss/client/colleague so you get it out of your system without losing your job.
• It will also help you to understand what it is about your job and your day that really drives you crazy – and what you actually enjoy.
• Do not, however, keep said journal on your computer, and always, always keep it out of sight.

• If you're experiencing an unusual number of headaches, a sore neck, sore back or other aches and pains; find you have trouble falling or staying asleep; or are snapping at your colleagues for no reason, it's time for a day off.
• Check your calendar for the coming week and find the first available day you can take.
• If you really are feeling unwell, take it as a sick day rather than a vacation day — there's no shame in admitting that you are unwell.
• Whether you do something special or simply rest, make sure you take days off when you need them — if you don't you can bet you'll be really sick before long.