- Almost half of UK workers have experienced extreme levels of stress at work
- Women and younger workers are more prone to workplace stress
- Only 23 per cent of UK employees say their workplace has a plan in place to prevent burnout
The term ‘burnout’ gets bandied about at will these days, but that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed as a passing workplace fad.
In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed burnout as a ‘workplace phenomenon’,which results in chronic workplace stress that can manifest as feelings of depletion or exhaustion, increased feelings of negativity or detachment from your job and its responsibilities, and less productive employees.
And while it’s not technically a medical condition, anyone who has suffered from burnout can attest that recovering from it is no mean feat.
According to a recent study, 46 per cent of UK workers have experienced extreme levels of stress at work, and only 23 per cent of those surveyed said their employer had a plan in place to prevent burnout in the workplace.
Like most ailments, physical or mental, prevention is better than cure, and the best way to beat burnout is to keep it at bay. Easier said than done, but below we’re detailing wellbeing hacks that are proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
The best part? They can be easily incorporated into your current routine, and some can even be completed on your daily commute.
Almost half of UK workers have experienced extreme levels of stress at work
Table of Contents
Breathe in
It might sound obvious, but the way you breathe can have a massive impact on your stress levels.
From shallow breathing that limits your diaphragm to breathing through your mouth instead of deeply through your nose, breathing incorrectly can increase your heart rate, which has a direct impact on your stress and anxiety levels.
Instead, try to breathe more mindfully by taking deep breaths through your nose and holding this breath for around three to five seconds before exhaling fully through your mouth. Not only will your heart rate stabilise, you will also steady your blood pressure.
Tune out
Blocking out external noise and focussing on some guided meditation can have a profound effect on stress levels. The easiest way to do this is through an app such as Headspace or Calm, both of which offer guided meditations.
Both are ideal for beginners and those who are more familiar with the practice of meditation, and can track your new habit to give you an idea of how you’re progressing.
It might sound obvious, but the way you breathe can have a massive impact on your stress levels
Step up
Whether you get the bus, a train or tube or drive to work, getting some additional steps in on your morning commute can instantly reduce stress levels, and also set you up for your workday.
Get off a couple of stops early, park farther away, or plan a different route entirely that involves a walk through a park or by a river. Spending more time in nature has been found to help improve mental health issues, including anxiety, while ecotherapy, a formal treatment which involves completing activities outside in nature, can help treat depression.
Or if all else fails, maybe a fresh opportunity in a new role is the remedy you’re looking for. If that is the case, the Mail Jobs Board is the perfect place to focus your search as it features thousands of openings in companies that are currently hiring, including the three below.
Find your next role in healthcare today via the Mail Jobs Board
