Work is one of the leading sources of stress in people’s daily lives, and stress is a key trigger of adrenal fatigue. The initial question is why your job is causing so much stress. Do you dislike your job? Is your boss driving you nuts? Do you like the job but hate the commute? After identifying why your work stress level is high, you can address the sources of stress and ease your adrenal fatigue.
Sometimes the solution to reducing work stress is right in front of you. It may require thinking outside the box. The first step is to look at certain aspects of the job itself. Ask yourself the following questions:
Can you change jobs within the company? Sometimes transferring to a different department within the same company is all you need to reduce job stress and boost job satisfaction.
Can you reduce your time from full time to part time? If money is tight, you may not have this option.
Can you work from home? Some people find that they’re more productive when working from home compared to being at the job site.
Have you taken all your vacation days? Many workaholics don’t, which contributes to increased work stress and burnout.
Sometimes the source of stress isn’t the job; it may be you. By changing or altering some aspects of your work day, you’d be surprised how your passion, creativity, and desire can go up! Ask yourself the following:
Can you walk to work in the morning or take a walk during your lunch break? Walking is one of the best forms of exercise that can reduce stress and provide a much needed break away from the workplace.
What does your morning meal consist of? A sugary doughnut and coffee, or something that has some nutritional value? Sugar and caffeine cause significant stress on the adrenal glands first thing in the morning.
Do you take any time (as little as five minutes) to breathe correctly and/or meditate? Just taking a few minutes each day to breathe or meditate can help you center yourself and do wonders in reducing your stress level.
How many caffeinated beverages do you drink each day? Drinking too many coffees or sodas works against you. The “caffeine jolt” can force your adrenal glands to work really hard. The high acid content in many sodas is also stressful on the adrenal glands and kidneys. Consider switching to green tea rather than coffee and soda.
Also consider changing your environment. Here are some ways to maximize your senses to reduce work stress:
Listen to relaxing music at your desk.
If you’re sitting at a computer terminal, use a screen saver that has a relaxing effect (like a scene from nature).
If you can, spray lavender into your immediate vicinity. Aromatherapy can really have a relaxing effect.
Combining several techniques can help you relieve work stress and keep your adrenal fatigue at bay. If you want to find a way, it can be done!