Stress at work is bad enough, so you don’t want to take it home with you. Unfortunately, too many people do, toting it along with their laptop.

One way to handle stress is to leave work at work. That is, don’t take it home with you – on your laptop or in your head. Try to set a boundary that when you leave work for the day, you leave it behind completely.

You may believe that you are being more productive by taking some home with you, but failing to maintain some semblance of a work-life balance may in the long run affect your mood, your motivation, your health, and, in turn, your productivity. Here are some tips for keeping your work stress at work.

1. Keep a healthy lifestyle

Eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise are among the most effective ways to handle stress. And if you are doing a good job of managing your stress with a healthy lifestyle, you are better able to leave it at the office.

Unfortunately, when many people are stressed, they do just the opposite, going for the junk food and caffeinated beverages. When you get the urge, try to suppress it because this is just making things worse. Those Twinkies you noshed on may give you a quick sugar rush, but the sugar high will go as quickly as it came, leaving you feeling lethargic and grumpy.

2. Take breaks

Research has shown that taking breaks during the day can boost morale and help you to maintain your energy levels. The study also found that taking a break early in the day can help you feel more energized and focused. Taking breaks will help you to manage your stress levels, so that when you leave work, you are feeling more relaxed.

3. Get organized.

This will go a long way toward helping you leave your stress at work. Take some time at the beginning of the day to look over your work load, set goals for yourself, and prioritize what you need to do. This way, when you leave work, you know that you have completed the most important tasks.

Do the same at the end of the day. Take a little time to record what you accomplished that day, where you left off, and where you need to pick up the next day. This will also help to give you peace of mind after you leave work, knowing that you are set to begin the next day.

4. Use your commute

The commute to and from work, especially if it is a long one, can be one of the most stressful parts of the day. To help reduce the stress, use the time to reflect on your plans for the day and how you are going to approach them. You can also meditate or do some deep breathing exercises. Some people make the commute more tolerable by playing books on tape. If you enjoy music, don’t be afraid to turn up the volume on the radio.

Winston Resources is one of the premier recruiting firms in New York City, with the resources, staff, and networks to help you find a job that fits your talents and experience. Give Winston Resources a call today.