How to Maintain a Stress Free Office Space
- By Andrew Jacobs
- Mar 1, 2016
How to Maintain a Stress Free Office Space
Okay, so we all have been there (or are there currently). We’re stressed at work. (Don’t worry boss, I’m not stressed … today). Anyway, we all worry about big things, small things. Things that are seemingly unimportant to our co-workers but all we’re hearing is this screaming voice that keeps repeating HELLO?! COME ON! LET’S GO! And it absolutely, terrifyingly, completely stinks. Hard. So I’m here to try and tell you how to maintain a stress free office space without sounding like a know it all. This list has been comprised with things that make me happy, calm me down, distract me for a little while, or let me focus better. And maybe (hopefully) it can help you too! Here's to your stress free office space!1. Coordinate Your Drawers
Okay, so whenever I look at my pens and markers drawer (below), I smile. It could be that little bit of OCD in me, it could be the fact that I was super proud to have organized something, or it could just be because who doesn’t love color coordination?
2. Keep Trinkets on Your Desk that Mean Something to You
Again, this goes along with the 'take a breath and let your mind go elsewhere' idea. Even when I’m typing this I can see my amazing trinkets and have a smile on my face. My Scarlet Witch is a part of our marketing team. Each of us is an Avenger and we all have a Funko to go with it. It’s something that shows me how lucky I am to work with such great people.

3. Listen to music / Read an article / Watch a video
ESSENTIAL for a stress free office space. Need to focus but all of that clicking, phone ringing, and other white noise is getting in the way? This usually happens to me when I’m stressed and can't concentrate on the task at hand. And this is when I use my headphones (I just gave beats an awesome advertisement, you're welcome). Music goes a long way, and we all know it can calm anyone down. My calm down artists are Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones, or Otis Redding (Otis of course being the best singer of all time). But if you want pump up music to get you back to work, try some Summer 90's Hits on Pandora (trust me and all my co-workers on this one. It's played frequently).
4. Remind Yourself of Your Passion
Getting to the core of my being, I’m a writer. And that’s what I love to do, so why wouldn’t I remind myself of my awesome passion and skill (you can comment with a 5 star review later). Whether you’re in the job you've always dreamed of or are on your way there, motivation will sometimes distress you. Tell yourself okay, this is the job I’ve always wanted so let me do this right or tell yourself okay so let me get through this so that one day I will get to that dream job. WORK towards that goal with your stress free office space.
5. Snack
Hunger can distract anyone from work, to the point where it's all you’re thinking about. To the point where your work starts to slow down and your mind starts racing about how your work slowed down and you need food SO bad and how in blank's name will you get things done, and you're still super hungry, and oh no, and etc.
6. Redecorate Every Once in a While
We’ve been in our new office for less than three months, so I don’t have to redecorate just yet. But there comes a time where you’ve been at a place for so long that you’ll need a change. Redecorate your office space with new colors, new trinkets, new pictures, new everything. It’ll seem like you’re at a new place (your stress free office space).
7. Use a Stress Ball
So I didn't believe a stress ball would or could ever calm me down. Some of my co-workers have them, so to get the best results for this obnoxiously long blog (sorry about that), I decided to try it.
8. Try Something Sensory
I once took a meditation class where she said in order for your mind to stop thinking, you have to locate something on your body. She chose her butt (for some reason). But really, try it right now. Where's your butt? Are you thinking about it? Did your mind stop for a moment about how many things you have to do today, to start over again? Try one more time. Where's your butt? If you're on the verge of a breakdown, and really do need to calm down (I'm actually being serious for once), touch something for a while and notice the feeling, locate something on your body and focus on it, play with your hair, whatever you have to do. It's okay that you're stressed, it happens. But it's also okay and possible to get out of that stress. This should be the step you use if everything else on my list happens to not be working. Once your mind is slowing down, then you can look at your trinkets, think about your passions, reorganize your crazy color coordinated pens and markers, eat, etc! I really do hope this helped. We all go through stressful times but we all should know that this one thing you've been think about that has to be done might have a deadline, but it's not the end of the world if time runs out. And it's okay to take a break. And it's okay to let your mind wander. It's okay to maintain a stress free office space.And if none of this works, try some retail therapy, and shop at JAM!
Sorry, I had to...
Creating a Stress-Free Office Space
Maintaining a stress-free office space is essential for productivity and employee well-being. A clutter-free and organized workspace can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a more positive work environment. By incorporating ergonomic furniture, implementing a clean desk policy, and adding plants or artwork, you can create a calming atmosphere. Additionally, utilizing natural light and incorporating relaxation areas can further contribute to a stress-free office space. By prioritizing employee wellness and implementing these strategies, you can create a more enjoyable and productive work environment.
The Benefits of a Stress-Free Office Space
A stress-free office space can lead to increased productivity, improved employee morale, and reduced absenteeism. By creating a calming environment, employees are more likely to feel motivated and focused, leading to higher quality work. Additionally, a stress-free office space can contribute to better mental health and overall well-being for employees. By prioritizing a positive work environment, employers can foster a more cohesive and satisfied team.
Use Cases for a Stress-Free Office Space
A stress-free office space is beneficial for all types of businesses, from small startups to large corporations. Creating a calming environment can benefit employees in high-stress industries, such as finance or healthcare, as well as creative industries where a peaceful workspace can foster inspiration. Additionally, remote workers can also benefit from implementing stress-reducing strategies in their home office spaces.
Alternatives to Traditional Office Spaces
For businesses looking to provide alternative office spaces, options such as co-working spaces, flexible work arrangements, and remote work opportunities can offer employees a change of scenery and reduce stress. Additionally, incorporating wellness rooms or relaxation areas within the office can provide employees with a space to decompress and recharge during the workday.
Tips for Maintaining a Stress-Free Office Space
Implementing a clean desk policy, encouraging regular breaks, and providing ergonomic furniture are all effective ways to maintain a stress-free office space. Additionally, incorporating natural elements such as plants and natural light can contribute to a calming atmosphere. Employers can also consider offering stress-reducing activities or workshops for employees to further promote a positive work environment.
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Ultimately, creating a stress-free office space is essential for fostering a positive work environment. By prioritizing employee well-being and implementing strategies to reduce stress, employers can create a workspace that promotes productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction. Investing in a stress-free office space can lead to long-term benefits for both employees and the business as a whole.