Work stress is a real thing. The fast-paced world of business and tech fields can be overwhelming, and keeping track of your time, projects, and clients can be challenging. The pace of business has never been faster, and keeping up with the increasing demands of automation and technology is a challenge for all employees.

To reduce work stress and increase productivity, learning how to manage your time better at work is important. Time management skills are essential to get more done at work and to have time for the things and people you love.  

What is Work stress? 

According to the Center for Disease and Control Prevention, work stress is the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the worker’s capabilities and resources do not match the requirements of the job. While often confused with challenge, work stress leads to exhaustion, demotivation, and sometimes even injury. 

How Does Stress Affect Your Workflow?

Stress can impact a person’s well-being and lead to a lack of focus, reduced creativity, and even damage to personal and professional relationships. The American Institute of Stress states that 42 percent of Americans lose 15-30 minutes of productivity each day due to stress.  

What Are the Symptoms of Stress? 

Muscular Tension

When you are under stress, your body produces more cortisol, which creates muscular tension. This tension can lead to neck or back pain and headaches. The best way to combat this type of stress is by practicing yoga or other forms of relaxation exercises. 

Sleeping Difficulties

One of the most common symptoms of work-related stress is insomnia or sleeping difficulties. Insomnia and sleep difficulties may indicate that your body needs more rest than usual or that you are not getting enough sleep.

Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations often occur when you’re under too much pressure or have a lot of responsibility on your plate. The most common factors of it are working long hours, doing more jobs at once, and working in an environment that doesn’t allow for adequate downtime to recuperate.  

Gastrointestinal Disorders

One of the most common symptoms of work stress is gastrointestinal disorders. When you’re stressed out, your body will produce more stomach acid and try to push food through your system as quickly as possible, which can lead to an irritated digestive tract. 

Time Management Strategies To Reduce Work Stress

Plan Ahead

Planning is an excellent place to start if you want to reduce the stress of your job and get more done at work. It allows for greater productivity, fewer distractions, and more time for decision-making. Planning also helps prevent mistakes and keep your time management in check.

Set Strict Deadlines

When setting deadlines for yourself, it is also essential that you put them with an end date in mind. When you know what you need to do, it’s easier to plan, organize and complete the task in time. Having no deadlines and the lack of an action plan may lead to you not meeting the job on time or at all. 

Break Your Day Into Segments

Decide how much time you will use for work-related tasks, then break down each day into segments based on priority. Doing this will ensure that everything gets done and that no jobs are left undone at the end of the day. A well-planned schedule can help you manage your time, set goals, and make more informed decisions.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks is one of the best ways to get more done and reduce stress at work. It can also help you keep motivated and stay healthy over a long day. For instance, suppose you are concurrently employed and enrolled in a coding bootcamp like General Assembly or App Academy. Taking breaks to unwind and relax will help you avoid burnout and focus on your personal goals.

Set Aside Time for Personal Goals and Hobbies

When you schedule your hobbies and personal goals, you give yourself a sense of purpose. For example, if you want to become a software engineer but are working in another profession, setting time to study will help you succeed and become more productive.  

How To Enjoy Work More While Being Productive?

To enjoy work more while being productive, you must focus on how you spend your time. Being productive is not working yourself to exhaustion but being aware of your mental and physical limits. Have a plan to get something done, and make sure you don’t spend time doing things that are not a part of your plan.

Finally: Give yourself a reward

It is important to give yourself rest, relation and some fun time. Whether the reward is just giving yourself 30 minutes to sit and read, or it’s going to a movie, or treating yourself to a much needed spa. It’s important to be kind to oneself.