Let’s be honest, not having a job in this economy is tough – so you do the tough work of applying multiple times, searching until you get the job or any decent paying one. 

Suddenly your energy levels are down, you hate commuting to work and you start to get anxious about going back each day. The constant emails, back-to-back meetings, and endless to-do lists can surely do that to the best of us. While stress-inducing jobs can pose health risks, being out of job or money can equally do much damage. 

Here are 10 practical tips to apply to your daily routine to make work feel less stressful and life feel better.

1. Wake Up Without an Alarm

Waking up to loud noise from the alarm has been studied to increase cortisol levels and negatively impact mood and focus. Which is a sure way to make anyone disoriented first thing in the morning. The best way to have a peaceful morning is to wake up naturally – meaning sticking with a consistent sleep schedule, i.e. going to bed earlier and waking up on time, to beat morning rush hour and set a good tone for the day.

2. Categorize Tasks Before Tackling Them

There is a thing called “email-overload”, a state where you get bombarded with emails about all the things you need to get done. Rather, take 5–10 minutes to organize your day, categorize what’s urgent, what can wait, and what’s just noise. This prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and helps you focus on what truly matters first. As a blue collar worker on site, apply this in a different way, rather than get straight into random tasks, you can debrief with your colleagues and plan how the day goes.  

3. Interact with Co-workers at Lunch

Lunch breaks aren’t just for eating, they’re for resetting. Chatting with colleagues about small details about your weekend or even sharing a quick laugh can lighten your mood. That’s because social interactions can be a natural stress reliever, even if you’re introverted. If you are worried about the snide behaviour of co-workers, it’s advisable to have one work acquaintance you can feel safe with. Otherwise phone a friend whenever you can.

4. Take a 15–30 Minute Walk

Walking is a good way to lower your cortisol level and even your insulin spikes. A quick walk during the day, while working or after meals can do wonders for your mind and body. It helps improve blood flow, clear your head, and reduce tension from long hours at your desk. Bonus points if you leave your phone behind for true mental downtime.

5. Get Prescribed Some Supplements

Sometimes the culprit to the gloomy, “out-of-it” state can be as a result of nutrient deficiencies. While eating a healthy diet is a good start, not many foods bought during work hours are healthy options – so the next time you’re looking for solutions to your stress, think magnesium, vitamin D, or B-complex vitamins. Please consult a healthcare professional before taking anything, but it’s good to know that supplements can help support your energy levels and overall well-being.

6. Never Fake Happiness at Work

Negative energy is not always bad! It’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. It is understandable to want to maintain a happy disposition without seeming down at work, however, doing that for a long time reportedly can make you ill. So instead of faking smiles, it’s okay to admit when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Stress comes in the form of loss, financial strain or health issues – it’s better to speak to HR so things are more laid back for you during that period. 

7. Log Off Social Media for Some Time

Scrolling during work breaks, commuting back home or immediately you drop your bags might feel like an escape, but it often fuels anxiety. What looks like control of your time after a hard day’s work can actually cause a negative reaction to your mind and body. The dopamine you feel being on social media causes brain fog and also makes you feel like you’re falling behind in life. When you can try logging off after each day to do other fulfilling things – going to the gym, going for a dance at the neighbourhood pub or simply creating something.

8. Have a Night-Time Routine

Evenings shouldn’t be rushed – that is not the time to be ironing clothes, rushing through tasks or preparing a full meal for the next day – those are activities for the weekend. A good, relaxing evening routine helps you shake off work stress as much as time allows. So read a book, stretch, journal, or just take a long shower. Anything that signals to your brain, “Work is over, now we rest” will revitalize you for the day ahead. 

9. Reset During the Weekend

Every worker’s dream after payday is when the weekend arrives. Make a plan to start your weekend from Friday night, meet friends at nearby places, or start your chores early so Saturdays are yours. Do not dedicate the weekend to catching up on chores or bringing work home so you can prioritize your health (stress level). Reset mentally and physically—sleep in, spend time outdoors, or enjoy that tennis match you’ve been rescheduling. 

10. Change Jobs or Move Homes (If You Can)

Sometimes stress isn’t about routines, it’s about the environment. If your job or living situation is draining you beyond repair, consider making a big move. That may be easier said than done, but that small salary, big tasks situation is taking away from you gradually.  It’s not easy but slowly building certain skills so you can move up in jobs and pay, or saving small amounts to move to a better location or in with a roommate, can lower long-term stress of thinking about work-money-commute all the time

Stress is part of everyday life but leaving it unmanaged can be a big health risk. Starting with small habits like peaceful mornings, task batching, taking supplements and having a relaxing downtime can make a huge difference in your life.