Virtually everyone gets stressed out at work on occasion, regardless of their profession. However, if you constantly feel anxious on the job or have bouts of anxiety so severe that they hinder performance, it may be worth seeking help. In the meantime, here are a few tips for combatting these sensations. 

3 Ways to Combat Anxiety at the Office 

1. Exercise Daily

Try hitting the gym before work or going for a jog afterward. While it might seem hard to muster the motivation to work out when you’re under a lot of stress, exercise has been proven to relieve both depression and anxiety. Physical activity releases endorphins, which have a natural calming effect. It can also take your mind off the various aspects of your job that are causing the most worry. 

2. Skip the Coffee & Soda 

If you think you need coffee or soda to get through the workday, you might be surprised to learn it can have the opposite effect. As a psychotropic drug, caffeine can exacerbate or cause anxiety, which can hinder your ability to focus on the job at hand.

3. Practice Deep Breathing 

If you perform a few deep breathing exercises as soon as you start feeling anxious, it can stop racing thoughts in their tracks. Deep breathing combats the physical symptoms of anxiety by relaxing the muscles, slowing the heart rate, and decreasing blood pressure. If you don’t know any breathing exercises, simply take a deep breath, hold it for several seconds, and release it slowly. Repeat several times until the anxiety passes. 

Although the above tips can help you stay focused on the job, they may not be enough to combat clinical anxiety. If you find it hard to stay relaxed at work, turn to Sondra Sexton-Jones for help. Located in Juneau, AK, this licensed counselor has more than 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Her services include couples therapy, PTSD treatment, and bereavement counseling. To make an appointment, fill out the contact form on her website or call (907) 586-3313.