Stress is an inevitable part of any profession. However, a little effort and minor changes in the office setup can help you go a long way to beat the blues.

Technology and new-age gadgets have made life at work easier for professionals. Latest advancements aid in dispensing tasks quickly, resulting in a quick turn-around time. Thus, logically speaking, today’s generation should be comparatively a luckier and happier lot. But on second thoughts, is this true? Reflecting on the current scenario will reveal the fact that today, young professionals are actually much more stressed out, thanks to technology and cut-throat competition. Let’s delve a little deeper.

We spend most of our waking hours in office, and sitting in front of a computer for long hours can indeed be tiring and detrimental. When it comes to coping with work pressure, there is very little one can do apart from being selfmotivated. Stressful working conditions have a negative impact on the mental and physical well-being of the person. Therefore, creating an environment that reduces stress is vital, avers Seema Hingorany, a psychotherapist. She furthr adds, Believe it or not, the colours on the walls, floor coverings and even furniture have an impact on an individualís mental state. Hues such as cooling greens, blues and whites are positive colours that can reduce stress and create a sense of well-being. A positive ambience has a lot of potential; it can invigorate, motivate and inspire. It creates identity and generates positive feelings by reducing the stress hormone called cortisol.

The good news is that incorporating minor changes in your office or workstation and routine can actually help you to beat the workplace stress to a great extent. Listed below are a few tips you can consider:

Go Green

Plants contribute to psychological wellbeing as well as improve the aesthetics of the office environ. Anjani Mehta, who has been managing a plant nursery for over 20 years and works with several corporates, says, “Plants make the environment cheerful and reduce stress. After working on a computer for long hours, the greenery can be soothing. Plants can be kept in the lobby, near the table, on the windowpane or around your workstation or cubicle. You can use plants in your office to make it a more pleasant place to work.” The freshness of plants and the colour of flowers can be very soothing for your eyes.
As Tej Lalvani, VP of Vitabiotics India, says, “A less stressful environment definitely makes for more productivity and a happier bunch of employees. There are many tropical plants in our office.”

Be Clutter Free

One simple way to get a sense of well-being is to de-clutter your workstation. Keep your office desk clean and organised. Being organised will give you a sense of having control. Maintain files to manage your paperwork and have small boxes for your stationary. Ensure that stationary that is used frequently (pens, pencils, notepads, etc) are handy. Spend a few minutes daily to arrange your things. A messy table only adds to stress.

Well, arranging your table well is just the beginning. It is equally important to have a well organised computer, wherein you can find your documents with just one click. Write down your tasks for the day if you think you are likely to miss out on something and make a mind map of all the activities to keep you prepared. A to-dolist is of great help to prioritise and ensure all important tasks are listed.

Colour It Right

Colours have a strong impact. “Although bright colours can be stimulating, they can also be distracting and even lead to restlessness. The basic rules to use colour logically is that bright hues may be used to accent, but not as a dominant colour. For instance, too much of red can create tension; but if used in moderation with a neutral colour it can add to the motivational level. It can prove to be an ideal colour for a marketing office” explains Kajal Gaba, who specializes in designing murals, and is a theme and colour consultant. She continues, “Aqua and shades of blue when balanced with milky white walls can help lend a calming effect and relax strained eyes. Amalgamating the brighter hues with subdued ones goes a long way here in order to control stress levels and increase productivity.”

Do It Up

Make your work area a cheerful and comfortable place to be - after all you spend most of your time there. You could use colourful posters, cutouts, funny or inspirational quotes, fresh flowers or indoor plants, photographs or any kind of decoration that will make you feel happy and create a soothing atmosphere. A good idea would be to have a calendar with all the holidays marked on it. Every time you see the calendar, the upcoming holiday will definitely boost your spirits.

Take a Break

Take short breaks whenever possible. Including small activities like a short walk after lunch or taking the staircase instead of the elevator will be a good exercise and also give you the muchneeded push. When you feel you are getting stressed out, close your eyes for 30 seconds and take a few deep breaths and you will feel the difference. Do not keep staring continuously at the computer for long, take a break and simply look out of the window. Try meditating for a few minutes. It will help you rejuvenate.

Eat Right

No matter how busy you are, do not skip meals. If fact, as far as possible avoid eating your lunch at your desk. Include fresh fruits and fruit juices in your diet as it helps maintain your energy levels. Once in a while you could also munch on dry fruits. In an air-conditioned setup, you are likely to feel less thirsty. But water intake is essential. Remember, itís important to keep yourself hydrated.

Musical Notes

Music definitely has the power to simply make one feel relaxed and keep stress at bay. Instrumental music is a good option if you wish to relax. But refrain from playing loud music as it may be a nuisance to others. So plug in your earphones and unwind for a while. Says Barkhaa Sharma, senior manager, T-Series, “In our office we have music playing all the time. It makes a lot of difference and I find it very relaxing. We also have a guitar in the office - so once in a while we also get into the singing mode.”

Ergonomic Solutions

The principles of ergonomics help reduce stress and eliminate potential injuries and disorders caused due to the stress on muscles, resulting from bad posture and repeated tasks. In recent years, ergonomists have attempted to define postures, which minimise unnecessary static work and reduce the forces acting on the body.

Avoid couching and sit straight. Ideally, your feet should rest on the floor comfortably with the knee bending at 90 degrees. Ensure that you back is straight and well supported. Another important feature would be effective lighting. Studies suggest that natural light increases human productivity and reduces fatigue. So ensure that your desk is well lit.

Books and Games

If your office has a library, make optimum use of it. Pick up a book or magazine and sit back during your free time. Comics are a good option to de-stress. You can also try playing some simple games on your computer or mobile to divert you from work for a few minutes. “We have a dartboard in office and an open space where one could chose between a game of badminton or cricket. There are many books and magazines provided in the office so that one can just unwind with a book for a while.. All these things help relax one’s mind so that they feel rejuvenated once they get back to work. The idea is not to let the stress get to you”, says Yogesh Shah who works for The Backpacker Co.

Winding Up…

Stress is an inevitable part of any profession. While you may consider the above pointers, the fact remains that ways of de-stressing are subjective and may differ from individual to individual. So include a few changes in your routine and enjoy your work.

Courtesy: The Times Of India