We’ve all seen them, haven’t we?
Those seemingly superhuman individuals who, despite the mounting responsibilities and deadlines at work, always appear calm, composed, and totally stress-free.
It’s as if they’ve discovered some secret formula to a stress-less existence that the rest of us are still frantically searching for.
Here’s the nice little secret.
These individuals aren’t superhuman. They don’t have magical powers. They simply follow certain habits which set them apart from the rest of us. Habits which, surprisingly enough, are not as well-known as they should be.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “How can I be one of these cool-as-a-cucumber individuals?” Stick around.
We’ve got seven little-known habits that people who never seem stressed at work usually follow. Habits that will not only help you keep your cool during the 9-5 grind but also enrich your personal and professional life.
By cultivating these habits, you could potentially improve your resilience, balance, and overall understanding of how to navigate the often turbulent waters of the working world.
All set? Let’s dive right in.
1) They practice mindfulness
Now, you might be thinking, “I’ve heard this before!”. But trust me, it’s not just another buzzword.
Mindfulness, in its simplest form, means being fully present in the moment. Not worrying about that project deadline next week or ruminating about the meeting that went south yesterday.
It’s about focusing on the task at hand, the conversation you’re having, or even just your breath as you sit at your desk.
Those who master this habit seem to have an invisible shield against stress. It’s like they’ve got a secret pause button that allows them to slow down time, even amidst the office chaos.
And guess what?
This doesn’t just apply to work. Practicing mindfulness can also help bring balance and clarity to other areas of your life. Imagine being able to enjoy a meal, a walk in the park, or a chat with a friend without your mind wandering off to work-related worries.
Sounds pretty fantastic, right? Well, it is. And with a bit of practice, it’s entirely achievable.
2) They prioritize and delegate
I remember the early days of my career when I thought I had to do everything myself to succeed. Trust me, that’s a surefire way to invite stress into your life.
Those who seem to sail through their work days know the power of prioritizing and delegating tasks. They understand that they can’t do everything, and more importantly, they don’t have to.
Here’s an example from my own life.
A few years ago, I was managing a complex project with tight deadlines. I was so determined to get everything done perfectly that I ended up taking on too many tasks. The result? Late nights, high stress, and eventually, burnout.
Then, a mentor suggested I start delegating more. At first, it felt uncomfortable. I worried about losing control or things not being done right.
But as I started to delegate smaller tasks, I realized that not only were things still getting done correctly, but I also had more time and energy for the more critical aspects of the project.
The lesson?
Prioritizing and delegating isn’t about shirking responsibilities. It’s about understanding your strengths, acknowledging the skills of others, and focusing on what’s truly important.
And guess what? It does wonders for your stress levels, too.
3) They aren’t afraid of saying ‘No’
We live in a world that glorifies the ‘yes’ people. The ones who agree to take on another project, even when their plate’s already overflowing. The ones who stay late, even when they’re running on fumes.
But here’s a hard truth. Saying ‘yes’ all the time is not a badge of honor. It’s a recipe for burnout.
The people who manage to keep stress at bay at work? They’ve mastered the art of saying ‘No’. Not out of arrogance or laziness, but out of respect for their own time and energy.
They understand that every ‘yes’ to something is a ‘no’ to something else. So they choose wisely. They say no to tasks that aren’t in their wheelhouse or that don’t align with their priorities.
It isn’t easy, and it often comes with its fair share of guilt. But once you get past that, saying ‘No’ can be liberating. It frees up time, conserves energy, and allows you to focus on what really matters.
So, next time you’re tempted to say ‘yes’ just because you feel like you should, pause. Ask yourself if it’s truly worth it. And remember, it’s okay to say ‘No’.
4) They take regular breaks
It may sound counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually increase your productivity and decrease your stress levels.
Ever noticed how your focus starts to wane after working for extended periods? That’s because our brains aren’t designed to maintain high levels of concentration for long stretches.
Those who stay stress-free at work understand this. They realize that powering through without breaks is not a sustainable strategy. So, they break their work into manageable chunks and take regular breaks in between.
During these breaks, they might stretch, take a walk, meditate, or even just stare out the window. The key is to do something non-work related to give the brain a chance to rest and recharge.
Remember, work is a marathon, not a sprint. Regular breaks can help you maintain a steady pace and keep your stress levels in check.
So go ahead, give yourself permission to take that break. You’ll be surprised at how much more focused and calm you feel afterwards.
5) They maintain a healthy lifestyle
When we’re swamped at work, it’s easy to let our health take a backseat. We may skip meals, cut corners on sleep, or forget to exercise. But here’s something you might not know.
Regular exercise actually increases the production of endorphins, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. It’s this increase in endorphins that gives us the euphoria often referred to as the “runner’s high.”
Those stress-free individuals at work? They’re likely prioritizing their health, no matter how busy they get. They know that a healthy body can better cope with stress.
They might have regular workout routines, ensure they’re eating balanced meals, and most importantly, they make sure they’re getting enough sleep. Because let’s face it, when we’re sleep-deprived, even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming.
Incorporating these healthy habits into your own life may seem challenging initially, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities.
But once you start seeing the positive effects on your stress levels and your overall well-being, it becomes easier to stick with them.
6) They cultivate compassion
Work can sometimes bring out the competitive side in us. We might find ourselves caught in a race to outperform others, which can lead to added stress.
The individuals who manage to stay unruffled during the workday take a different approach. They cultivate compassion, both for themselves and others.
They understand that everyone, including themselves, is doing the best they can with what they have. They replace judgment with understanding, competition with collaboration.
They’re kind to themselves when they make a mistake, seeing it as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than a failure. This self-compassion helps them bounce back from setbacks more quickly and reduces stress.
They also extend this compassion to their colleagues. By fostering positive relationships and a supportive work environment, they contribute to a less stressful, more harmonious workplace.
Remember, kindness and empathy don’t make you weak, they make you strong. And they can go a long way in keeping stress at bay.
7) They practice gratitude
At the end of the day, it all comes down to perspective. The individuals who seem to glide through work stress-free have a habit of practicing gratitude.
They make it a point to acknowledge and appreciate the good in their lives, even on tough days. This shift in focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right has been linked to lower stress levels and improved mental well-being.
They might keep a gratitude journal, make mental notes of things they’re thankful for, or share their appreciation with others.
This simple act of recognizing the positive aspects of life can transform our mindset and reduce feelings of stress. And in doing so, it allows us to approach work and life with a sense of calm and resilience that others may find enviable.
The beauty of gratitude is that it’s accessible to all of us, anytime, anywhere. It’s a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, there’s always something to be grateful for.
Final thoughts
Recognizing yourself in these habits? That’s great! It means you’re already on the path to a less stressful work life.
But if not, don’t worry. These habits aren’t exclusive to a select few. They’re accessible to all of us, and with some awareness and consistent effort, they can be cultivated.
Start by observing your own behaviors at work. Notice when you’re feeling stressed and what’s triggering it. Then, consider how incorporating these habits could change your response.
Perhaps it’s saying ‘no’ more often or taking regular breaks. Maybe it’s practicing mindfulness or expressing gratitude. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all here. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find what resonates with you.
Transforming these habits into a part of your daily routine won’t happen instantly, and that’s okay. Change takes time.
But each step you take, however small, is a step towards a less stressful work life. Each moment you choose to prioritize your well-being is a moment that contributes to your overall resilience.
So be patient with yourself. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. And remember, the journey to less stress is not a race, but a gradual process of growth and self-discovery.
The goal isn’t to eliminate stress completely – that’s unrealistic. Instead, it’s about cultivating habits that can help us navigate stress more effectively when it does show up and ultimately lead a more balanced and fulfilling work life.
And who knows? You might just become one of those people who never seem stressed at work.
