It’s no secret and no surprise that stress can be an unwelcome visitor while you are on the clock. Stress at the workplace has become rather commonplace these days, so much that one study found that 40 percent of workers find their jobs to be very or extremely stressful. However, if you consider yourself to be part of that 40 percent, this doesn’t mean that you should accept stress on the job as an inevitable fact of life. There are several simple ways to be sure that stress doesn’t get the better of you.

Get into a regular exercise routine
Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times per week is ideal to burn off excess stress. Exercise will sharpen your focus, increase your energy and relax both mind and body. If you are unable to commit to a regular routine, put in the effort where and when you can. For example, you can take a walk during your lunch break, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park as far away from the front door as you can or close your office door and do stretching exercises. Be creative. A few minutes a day will add up over the week.
Be sure to get enough sleep
Not getting enough sleep can leave you more vulnerable to stress. Keeping your emotional balance is easier on a full night’s sleep; this is important in managing workplace stress. Too little sleep compromises your immune system, impairs judgment and concentration and reduces productivity. Most adults’ need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night to feel adequately rested. Not smoking, reducing caffeine intake and avoiding alcohol near bedtime will help you get your zzz’s.
Just breathe
We have all found ourselves at a point where the mind is a jumble of things that need to be done immediately. At this point, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Stop. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath, hold it for five seconds and then exhale slowly. Clear your mind. Repeat as necessary. It can be just that simple to slow things down and regain your focus on the task at hand.
Don’t be afraid to delegate
If you have too much on your plate, consider handing over an assignment that may be better suited to another person’s abilities and workload. While the old saying “If you want something done ...