Stress Prevention and Management

Be Active

Physical activity increases your body's ability to manage stress by improving your flexibility and physicality, and balancing the hormones linked to stress - adrenaline, cortisol, and endorphins.

• Be active at work: take a break and go for a walk, stretch at the workstation, take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Laugh! Its your body's natural stress reliever.
• Do active things you enjoy: work in the garden, go for a walk, bike, skate or swim. Get out and involve your friends, family and co-workers.
• Get enough sleep.
• Be a non-smoker.

See our Active Living at Work section for more information about keeping active at work.

Eat Well

Your nutritional needs increase in times of stress. Making healthy food choices using Canada’s Food Guide ensures your body has the nutrients it needs to meet the challenges of your day.

• Eat the recommended amount and type of food each day
• Limit foods and beverages high in calories, fat, sugar and salt
• Satisfy your thirst with water

Manage Your Time

When you focus your energies and identify your priorities, you'll minimize "surprises" that can stress you out.

• Plan ahead.
• Don't procrastinate, do it now!
• Break down big projects into workable tasks.
• Focus on your top priorities.
• Learn to delegate tasks and say "no".
• Develop an organizational system. Try a personal planning book or device - even a simple calendar will do.

Rest and Relax

It might sound ridiculous, but a big part of stress management is learning to take a deep breath and relax!

• Try different relaxation activities to see what works for you, like deep breathing, yoga, tai-chi, massage or meditation - check out your local recreation centre.
• Take a few minutes to stretch and relax throughout the day.
• Develop and maintain positive self-talk; don't be your own worst critic!
• Take a break!

Coping with Stress at Work