You’ve heard this before but it’s worth repeating as we enter 2020 – –  a little stress can be a helpful motivator but too much stress can drain the joy out of a job, put strain on home life, and even threaten your health.

No matter what field you’re in, learning to manage workplace pressure is an essential part of staying engaged and satisfied with your work.

Below are a few tips from experienced career consultants on reducing your stress and increasing your personal happiness. 

How to Reduce Stress in the Workplace

1. Start Exercising – Does this sound familiar?!

Exercise isn’t just great for your waistline and physical health. It can also eliminate stress and release endorphins that make it easier to handle the challenges of a high-pressure workplace. When it comes to managing stress, it doesn’t matter what type of exercise you do, as long as you choose something you enjoy, create a reasonable schedule, and stick with it. Maybe it’s easier said than done, but this doesn’t take away from the high value of this tip. Ask a buddy to do it with you, get a dog, or, at a minimum, share your plans with someone so they can hold you more accountable for following through. @GretchenReynold  bit.ly/DogsandFitness 

2. Set Personal Boundaries – You’ve heard this before too!

Smartphones, tablets and laptops help us stay connected, but they can also tether us to work 24/7. But, humans need time to unwind and hence the sense of peace many feel when the airplane flight you’re on doesn’t have Wifi. Even if you have FOMO or your position involves a significant amount of responsibility, it’s a best practice to establish boundaries and set aside time without electronic devices buzzing, beeping and vibrating all the time. @AnnaGolfarb  http://bit.ly/TurnOffTuneOut 

Try making yourself unavailable for 30 minutes each day and see how it goes. Or do it just twice a week if the thought of an electronic mini-break gets your heart racing.  But, start somewhere – this is key to reducing stress and improving your mental health.

3. Respond to Your Stressors – Talk or Scream?

You may not be able to control your stressors, but you can decide how you respond to them. For instance, try to stay a bit more organized if you’re always up against tight deadlines, or talk to your supervisor if you’re unsure about their expectations. Screaming generally won’t work. Jobs that don’t allow you to explore your potential can also be stressful, in which case you may want to talk to a career consultant about starting a new chapter in your life. 

If you’re stuck in a rut or feeling unfulfilled at work, Margaret M. Enloe, Esq. in Manhattan has the expertise to help you achieve your goals. This experienced career consultant offers guidance and valuable insight to attorneys and other professionals throughout New York City and the nation, helping them manage stress and establish a healthy work life balance. Visit her website to learn more about how she can help or send an email to get in touch with one of the city’s best career consultants today.