1. Eat a nice, healthy breakfast before leaving for work - A cup of coffee just won’t cut it. Try a high protein smoothie with a slice of toast, granola with yogurt and fruit, a vegetable omelette or cottage cheese and fruit.
2. Keep a stash of energizing snacks at your desk, or in the office fridge. This will be just the thing to help you power through a difficult task (or a boring meeting), as well as avoiding junk food that can adversely affect your mood and ability to cope with stress. We suggest - granola bars, cheese sticks, yogurt, all-natural popcorn, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables with hummus, and peanut or almond butter on whole wheat bread or multigrain crackers.
3. Determine your stress triggers, and find ways to deal with them before becoming upset or overwhelmed.
4. Limit caffeine. Enjoying one great cup of coffee or tea can be a wonderful early morning or afternoon treat, but too much caffeine can make you feel edgy and nervous. Drink lots of water throughout the day instead.
5. Relax. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, close your eyes, breathe deeply and imagine a scene that makes you feel good.
6. Be a problem solver. Instead of getting bogged down by problems, be proactive and find solutions to the challenges the day brings.
7. Take small breaks throughout the day (when permitted). A quick walk around the office will help you recharge, refocus and reenergize.
8. Accept change. Try not to feel threatened by changes in your work day. Instead, remind yourself that change in the workplace is normal. Adapt.
9. Make your workspace a pleasant place to be. If you are permitted to personalize your space, make it cozy! Put out pictures of your loved ones in nice frames, a scented candle that you love, fresh flowers… anything that brings you joy. Try pinning up a travel brochure for your next vacation or a funny comic.
10. End each day by preparing for the next. Planning ahead will make for a much less stressful morning.
