A Chiropractor’s Guide to Managing Stress in the Workplace

By Dr. Erik Simms

People work to make money, pay bills, or find their place in the world. However, working is not always the most enjoyable activity. Many studies have shown that over 40% of workers find their job a stressor, particularly in today’s workplace. Stress can take a toll on both your mind and your body. Below are a handful of tips on managing your stress levels in the workplace.

What Causes Stress in the Workplace?

There are many reasons why someone’s work environment may cause stress, and what causes stress for one person may not impact another. Some common factors that affect stress in the workplace include:

  • Fear of losing a job, possibly due to competing job offers or skillsets
  • Job insecurity
  • Job responsibilities
  • Dealing with an inconsiderate or incompetent boss
  • Workload
  • Peer pressure
  • No or non-existent work-life balance
  • Lack of fairness or justice
  • High pressure to meet deadlines

Chiropractic Tips to Stay Stress-Free

Effective stress management is an essential tool for your health and well-being at work. Here are a few tips to keep you stress-free during your day:

1. Take Time to Walk and Stretch

Walking regularly can help keep stress levels down. Take five minutes out of your lunch break to focus on deep breathing and stretching. For ten minutes, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and put your hands together as if you were praying, with your arms level with your shoulders. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, raise your hands above your head, cross them at your wrists, and bring them over your head. Hold for 5-10 seconds, and then repeat.

2. Do Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises can help calm the mind and the body quickly. For a quick five-minute experience, inhale and exhale deeply, focusing on your breath and the very center of your body, located just below your navel. Inhale and exhale as you count to four. Then, pause for one second, and repeat. You can also do breathing exercises with a partner. Have your partner press down on your diaphragm, and have them count to five as you exhale. Then, have them press down and have you inhale.

3. Get a Massage

Massage therapy can help relieve stress and tension in the body. While waiting in the doctor’s office, take advantage of this service, as your insurance may cover it. While getting a massage, take a few minutes to focus on deep breathing or say an affirmation or positive statement out loud.

4. Watch Your Posture

Many people have poor posture or a hunchback from sitting at a computer for an extended time. This hunchback posture can affect the spine’s alignment and cause other health issues like chronic back pain. To avoid this, stand up at least once an hour, take your hands over your head, and stretch. Keep your back straight, and allow your hands to hang straight along the sides of your body.

5. Get Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments can help you maintain the optimal alignment of the spine, allowing for better posture and better overall health. In addition, frequent adjustments can help prevent or manage chronic pain. You can make regular adjustments much easier by developing a regular chiropractic maintenance schedule.

Conclusion

Overall, the stress in the workplace can be caused by various factors. While you can’t protect yourself from all these factors, you can learn to manage your stress levels by using the few tips above. If stress continues to impact your job performance and causes you to be unhappy, then it may be time to start looking for a new job. Remember, you control your destiny.

Triple Crown Chiropractic is Northern Kentucky’s premier chiropractic and wellness center, dedicated to helping our patients achieve total health. We offer various services to get you functioning at your best and create a treatment plan to maximize your health. We specialize in treating Sciatica, neck pain, and neck misalignment. If you’re looking for a chiropractic clinic in Kentucky, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!

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