How To Manage Stress At Work And Have Fun Doing It

Senior Regional Director and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Lead at Office Depot.

Let’s face it, work can be stressful at times, and it’s important to find ways to manage that stress. But who says work can’t be fun too? Here are some tips on how you can manage stress and have fun at work at the same time.

Take breaks throughout the day.

One of the best ways you can manage stress at work is by taking breaks throughout the day. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block, doing some stretching exercises at your desk or taking a coffee break with colleagues, taking a few minutes to step away from work can help clear your mind and reduce stress levels.

I personally like to start my morning with a walk to set a good tone for the day. I enjoy getting some fresh air, saying hi to a neighbor and seeing the view around me.

If I know I have a very full day, I schedule myself a reminder to step away for at least 15 minutes. I know some people that like to do a little yoga on their breaks, some jumping jacks or a quick ride on the bike. You can always try new things to see what you like to do and adjust as you go.

Schedule fun activities with colleagues.

Having fun at work doesn’t have to be all about goofing off. In my experience, you can actually boost your productivity and reduce stress by scheduling fun activities with colleagues.

This can be something as simple as ordering lunch together once a week, organizing a team-building activity or starting a book club. Not only does it give you a chance to bond with colleagues, but it also helps to create a positive and enjoyable work environment.

Keep in mind; you can still do all these things virtually too. For example, I like to make sure we leave time at the back end of our calls to have an open discussion. This is a good way to have fun, back-and-forth dialogue with the group. We have also done some virtual happy hours, which can really help you get to know your peers/employees better.

Leverage your resources.

Leverage technology, partners, direct reports and co-workers. You can use tools such as project management software, AI tools, apps for collaboration and communication and wearables to help manage your workload.

Collaborating with partners, direct reports and co-workers can also help to distribute the weight and let you support each other through challenging times. Don’t forget to delegate things on your plate that you can’t handle that another person could—or perhaps they are simply more of an expert in the area that you need support in. This can create a sense of teamwork and accomplishment.

Practice mindfulness.

Another key way to manage stress at work is through mindfulness. Mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the present moment.

You can practice mindfulness by taking a moment to focus on your breath, doing a quick meditation or simply taking time to appreciate the world around you. This can help reduce stress, improve focus and increase overall well-being.

Set realistic expectations.

Finally, one of the biggest sources of stress at work can come from unrealistic expectations. Whether it’s from superiors or self-inflicted, setting unrealistic expectations can lead to stress and burnout. Instead, set realistic goals for yourself and communicate with your colleagues and supervisors to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Something I do is set momentum goals. If you need to be at 100% of the way to your goal, and you are currently at 90%, set targets to chip away at the goal. Make a plan to be at 92% within 10 days, 94% within 20 days and so on.

Make sure you stop to celebrate these wins along the way and celebrate it with the folks who helped you gain these wins so everyone feels that sense of accomplishment that keeps them driving results daily. Make sure to also celebrate the wins of people around you—peers, other employees and direct reports. We can all use a little recognition in stressful times.

Managing stress at work is an important part of maintaining overall health and well-being. By taking breaks, scheduling fun activities, practicing mindfulness, leveraging resources and setting realistic expectations, you can reduce stress levels and find joy in your work at the same time. Remember, it’s okay to have fun at work, and in fact, it could help you be even more productive and successful!

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