Work is always naturally going to make you feel stressed out. It’s a fact of life. However, between the commute to work – which studies have shown can substantially increase your stress – and everything that goes along with the regular work day, this tension can quickly become overwhelming and be harmful to you. Here are some easy ways to tackle it.

1. Prepare in advance. Set everything out for your day ahead of time. If you have your clothes, work items, and lunch ready to go, you can enjoy a nice few moments in the morning and avoid road rage as you go to work.

2. Sleep well. You will feel better and be able to get up earlier. Without a proper sleep schedule, your stress will build up and you will lose the energy which you could otherwise have allotted to thinking about things and appreciating life.

3. Change up work hours. The 9-5 shift can get boring, so try taking on a different one occasionally. The change can even become permanent if it fits you better, and you’ll get the bonus of missing rush hour traffic.

4. Share your ride. Carpooling helps the environment and allows you to only have to take on the stress of driving occasionally. There can be some pain in getting things organized, but it typically pays off.

5. Relax in your car. Don’t be overwhelmed by the morning commute. If traffic is at a standstill, listen to the radio or invest in an audio book. Use the time to calm down, not get worked up.

6. Get comfortable in bed. Staying in one position as you sleep puts your spine in an uncomfortable position. Put a pillow under it and move around to help relax and reduce pain when you work out.

7. Work out after work. Instead of subjecting yourself to the tension of rush hour, take the time to do some exercise. You avoid stress and encourage relaxation while helping yourself physically as well.

8. Take a break. Take a bit of time to unwind. You can usually find a lounge somewhere in your office. Spend a few relaxing moments there doing slow, deep breathing and you can soon get back to work with renewed vigor.

9. Move your office. Ask if you can work from home from time to time or even try a position at a new office. The change, as well as the adjustment in your schedule, can both be very beneficial.

10. Change your routine. Walk or bike to work. Not only does it get you in great physical shape, but it’s better for the environment than getting in your car, and can change things up in a nice, calming way.

Tags: deep breathing, fact of life, road rage, rush hour traffic, stress, uncomfortable position