​Another often overlooked yet effective strategy for reducing stress is decluttering both your digital and physical workspace. A clean, organised environment helps to clear mental clutter and promotes focus. It’s much easier to think clearly and manage tasks when your desk and digital files aren’t drowning you in unnecessary distractions. By keeping things tidy, you can navigate your workday with more clarity, enabling you to focus on prioritising the tasks that truly matter, which as a result will reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and burnout.

​

Additionally, managing interpersonal relationships is a crucial factor in reducing workplace stress. Clear, respectful communication can help prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary tension. Establishing open lines of communication with your colleagues allows for better collaboration and a shared understanding of each person’s workload and priorities. Active listening (the practice of fully concentrating, understanding, responding and remembering what someone is saying, as opposed to just passively hearing words) is a key component of this as it fosters empathy and ensures that everyone feels heard and understood, which can immediately reduce the potential for conflict or frustration. 

​

Another important aspect is setting and respecting boundaries. In a fast-paced work environment, it’s easy for personal limits to be overlooked, leading to burnout. Setting clear boundaries with colleagues, whether it’s about how much time you can dedicate to certain tasks or when you’re available for meetings can help to preserve your mental energy and reduce stress. Likewise, it is important to be respectful of the boundaries of others, which can create a more balanced, less overwhelming work dynamic. Remember, it's fine to say no, ask for help or to delegate when you need to prioritise your well being.

​

Sometimes, conflicts are inevitable. As you may know, conflict resolution is something I often focus on, especially in a martial arts context with real life situations that present danger, however exhibiting empathy and active learning can absolutely be applied to the workplace. As such, learning how to address someone calmly and constructively can make a significant difference in reducing interpersonal stress. If a disagreement arises, try to approach it with an open mind, focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame. Keep in mind that not every issue needs to escalate into a confrontation; sometimes, it’s best to recognise when it's not the hill you want to die on. Picking your battles wisely ensures that you’re not wasting energy on matters that won’t significantly impact your work, well being or relationship with a colleague. Conflict resolution skills can therefore help you navigate difficult conversations without letting tension escalate, which is a great way to keep stress levels in check.

​

In conclusion, creating a routine that includes both structure and flexibility whilst prioritising self care and incorporating strategies like decluttering will set you up for a more manageable, less anxious work life. Start by implementing one small change today; try regularly planning the next day's tasks, scheduling breaks, decluttering your workspace and fostering open communication with colleague and notice how it impacts your stress levels.

​