How to Stay Sane when Working in an Office

When you work inside, enclosed by four walls every day and surrounded by the same people, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There’s a lot of pressure in a corporate atmosphere- from deadlines to office politics to the sheer physical constraints of sitting in a desk and chair.

But instead of becoming exhausted and searching for a way out, why not make a concerted effort to stay sane? Part of dealing with the stress of any situation, career or otherwise, is to keep a level head and not let it consume you.

The Right Head Space

First off, you’ll want to put things into perspective. What does this job mean to you? Do you plan to stay with the company for years to come, or is this a just a stepping stone; another rung in the ladder to success?

If you know you’re not going anywhere soon, you’ll really need to buckle down and start to formulate some long-term strategies for dealing with (and possibly even enjoying!) your situation. If you think you might be leaving in the near future, it’s also important to change your frame of mind; keep your eye on the horizon and try to find the positive in every day.

Be the Best at what you Do

Even if you’re not all that interested in what you do for a living, you may find increased satisfaction by at least knowing that you’re good at it. Strive for improvement, even if it’s incremental, every day. See how you can work faster and better or just learn more about your industry.

Balance Boring with Stimulating

When your daily job involves mundane tasks and mind-numbing data, it’s important to balance it all out with stimulating activities outside of work. Read a book you’re interested in, or make the effort to things you truly have a passion for. Not sure what moves you? Try a few different classes to see which most inspires you- from writing poetry to dancing salsa or collecting cactuses, everyone can find something that they love.

Move your Body

Exercise is one of the greatest ways to feel good about you. It releases endorphins in your brain and strengthens your muscles, which makes it much easier to manage sitting at a desk. Try to engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. It’s best if you break a sweat, but even a 30 minute walk every day will make a huge difference in your ability to cope with your work situation.

Focus on Diet

You can hardly expect to be physically comfortable or mentally sharp if you’re not providing your body with the nutrients it so desperately needs. Feed your organs and your brain with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. Swap your white bread for whole wheat and fatty meats for lean proteins. You may be amazed by how much more energy you feel- a healthy diet can even help give you a better outlook on life!

Author bio: Sonia Moran is a business consultant and enjoys hiking, biking and swimming during her free time. She is also a freelance writer for companies such as www.officeallsorts.co.uk.