Stress Less and Work Best
• Are you looking for ways to reduce stress in your life?
• Do you spend all day at your desk with little activity except making yourself another coffee?
• Are you overworked and under exercised?
• Are you suffering from headaches and muscle tension?
• Do you have difficulty sleeping and are looking for ways to clear you mind?
Work related stress compensation claims have increased in Australia by 40% over the last 10 years. In 2004 a study by WorkCover found career related stress accounted for the longest stretch of employee leave in Australia. With this is mind, it is imperative for employers to be aware of ways to help their staff reduce stress levels. But it needs to be a team effort.
Steve Pettit and Gayle Brimble from Zest Health Clubs are experts in the Australian Fitness Industry with over 20 years of experience between them. The pair has teamed up to provide their Top Ten Tips on how to combat stress in the workplace…...
1. Prioritise your exercise like you prioritise your clients
Regular exercise can help you to handle stressful situations, so prioritise exercise into your weekly schedule. Use your diary and book in regular times for exercise. Treat these times like an appointment or a meeting with an important client; if you can’t make the time then re-schedule but never cancel.
2. Technology timeout!
Next time your laptop crashes or you are experiencing networking issues, make use of the downtime by going for a quick walk. The exercise and fresh air will clear your head and you will be de-stressed and ready to get back to work when you return. Even small amounts of exercise contribute to your overall wellbeing.
3. No Time?
Kill two birds with one stone by reading a report or research paper while on the stepper or the bike. Organise to meet a friend at the gym, that way you can fit both exercise and catching up with friends into your busy schedule. If you find you get caught up at work, go to the gym in the morning – before the day has the chance of getting away from you.
4. Kick, punch and sweat away the stress with others!
Exercising with a group can be highly motivating and helps you commit to a time. Grab a friend and head to a Martial Arts based BodyCombat class or maybe sweat it out in an indoor cycling class of RPM!
5. Suffering brain strain?
Take a timeout and head for a quick trip to the gym or go for a run, the exercise improves blood flow to your brain, bringing additional sugars and oxygen that may be needed when you are thinking intensely. Talk to your boss about starting earlier so that you can take the time to do a lunch time class.
6. Why weight?
Working with weights can help alleviate stress and ease tense muscles. Get the best results by booking a time with a personal trainer. They will ensure you are performing the moves correctly, motivate you to work hard and the great social interaction will all help relieve stress.
7. Walk and talk!
Why sit in an office to discuss ideas for that next project, grab your work colleague and stimulate the creative juices as you hit the pavement.
8. Put your mind at ease
The controlled and meditative moves of mind/body classes allow your mind to expand and you learn to let your frustrations go. Participating in Pilates, Yoga or Tai Chi will help you develop a more relaxed and happy outlook – which is great in times of stress.
9. Sleep well
Exercise will increase the chance of sleeping soundly as the body has more reason to shut down and rebuild. Try to avoid thinking about work and wind down before getting into bed by reading, having a warm glass of milk or meditating.
10. Endorphins means less stress
It doesn’t matter how you get the endorphins. A day on the golf course or a game of tennis is two great examples of ways to involve exercise, fun and social occasions with relationship building opportunities or business meetings.
Zest Health Clubs
Zest Health Clubs offer fun, affordable fitness to over 65,000 members across 28 clubs in QLD, WA and SA. Facilities include a modern equipment, group fitness studios, quality changing facilities and supervised childcare facilities. Most Zest Health Clubs also contain a pool, spa or sauna facilities. Zest combines these great facilities with committed and professional staff, aiming to provide fitness solutions for everybody. Zest believes good health and exercise are vital to quality of life and should be readily available to all. Visit www.zesthealthclubs.com.au.
