Whether you are a college student returning to the classroom, or a parent in the workforce, back to school time can feel like a mixed blessing. In order to better manage the upcoming stress in a way that allows you to be more productive in your work or studies, consider these tips for helping to leave stress behind in any space in which you work.
Personalize Your Space
One way to help reduce your stress levels while at work or school is to add personal touches to your workspaces. Simple items, such as family photos or a favorite trinket, can help create an environment that feels for comfortable and supportive. Others find personal items to be a source of inspiration or motivation, especially when they serve as a reflection of one’s goals.
Personalization is often seen as a simple way to boost overall morale, as it promotes a sense of belonging and ownership between employees, or students, and the institution.
Keep Organized
Everyone has had a moment where they could not locate something important. Whether it is a presentation for an upcoming meeting, an assignment that is due by the end of the day, or your car keys, a lack of organization can be a significant source of stress.
In order to combat stress in this area, be sure to keep a minimum standard of organization and general cleanliness. Not only will you be able to find important items more easily, but you will also avoid any stress associated with feeling as though you are disorganized.
Add Natural Elements
Adding plants to your work areas has been studied specifically for their stress reducing benefits. A study conducted in 2010 in Australia showed that plants in the workplace can reduce stress levels, or negative feelings, by 30 to 60 percent. In order to experience this stress-reducing benefit, it only takes one plant.
Further, workplaces without plants were seen to increase negative emotions and stress levels for those working in the space. It is thought that plants make an environment more calming while they also provide a visual point of interest in what may otherwise be an uninspiring space.
Set Boundaries to Control Interruptions
While many people have only limited control over actions that may be deemed disrupting, there are certain methods that can help eliminate unnecessary interruptions for at least a specific period. For example, if you need to complete a particular report or analysis, and it is going to require a high level of focus, shut down as many potential interruptions as possible. This can include turning off your phone ringer (or turning off your phone entirely), closing out of email and instant messenger programs, scheduling a meeting on your calendar for a specific time period, or posting a sign near your workspace asking for limited interruptions.
If interruptions do occur, do not try to exert control over things that you cannot in fact control. Acknowledge the interruption as it occurs, cut it off at the earliest opportunity, assess its level of priority, and then create a plan regarding how to address it.
By following the tips above, you can move towards a less stressful work environment. If you would like to remove the stress that comes with screening new potential employees, consider TempStaff.
With decades of experience in the local area, TempStaff has the expertise you need to take this project off your plate. Contact TempStaff today for a lighter tomorrow!