Stress Less, Achieve More
6 Proven Strategies to Stay Calm Under Pressure
Fun Fact About Stress
The Stress Ball’s History:
Stress balls were invented in Japan in the 1980s.
They’ve since become a staple for stress relief.
Who knew squeezing could feel so good?
What’s Inside This Week
1. 5 Science-Backed Strategies for Managing Work Stress
5. Reader Poll
6. Your Turn: Share Your Tips!
Read Time: 5 minutes
5 Science-Backed Strategies for Managing Work Stress
Stress Less, Achieve More: 6 Strategies to Stay Calm Under Pressure
Here’s a scene I think most of us can relate to...
It’s Monday morning, and you’ve got your day all planned out.
By Tuesday, everything’s out of control.
By Wednesday, panic sets in. Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Managing stress can feel like an impossible balancing act, but it doesn’t have to be.
Today, I’m sharing 6 simple strategies that can help you manage work stress, stay productive, and (maybe even) enjoy the ride.
1. Prioritise with the 4 Ds:
Do, Delegate, Defer, or Delete
Not everything is equally important.
When you’re overwhelmed, run through the 4 Ds to decide what matters:
- Do: What must be done now?
- Delegate: Can someone else handle this?
- Defer: Can it wait?
- Delete: Does it even need to be done?
💡Pro Tip:
Spend 5 minutes each morning going through your to-do list with this method!
2. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time
Instead of focusing on time, think about energy management.
Humans can focus well for about 90 minutes before productivity drops.
Work in 90-minute blocks, followed by a break to recharge.
💡Pro Tip:
Use your break to stretch, take a walk, or grab a coffee.
Simple "Hack" of the Day
Stress Snack:
Keep a stash of almonds or dark chocolate at your desk. They’re proven to lower stress levels, plus—who doesn’t love an excuse for chocolate?
3. Tame the Stress Beast with Box Breathing
When stress spikes, try Box Breathing —a simple technique to calm your mind:
1. Inhale for 4 seconds.
2. Hold for 4 seconds.
3. Exhale for 4 seconds.
4. Hold for another 4 seconds.
It’s a Navy SEAL technique that helps to reduce cortisol and bring control to your day. Do it when you need a quick reset.
4. Embrace the Power of Saying “No”
It’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways to reduce stress. Saying “no” frees you to focus on the tasks that really matter.
💡Pro Tip:
Keep it professional with phrases like, “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity right now.”
Stress Less Challenges
No-Tech Tuesday:
Take 10 minutes without any devices during the day.
It’s harder than it sounds, but it’s a great way to reset!
5. Use Movement to Bust Stress (Without Leaving Your Desk)
You don’t need a full workout—just a few minutes of movement can reduce stress. Stand up, stretch, or walk around your space for an instant mood boost.
💡Pro Tip:
Set a timer to remind yourself to move every hour.
The "Stress SOS" Toolkit
Silly Faces:
Make a series of silly faces in the mirror.
Not only will it make you laugh, but it’s also a quick way to lighten your mood.
6. Use Positive Stress to Your Advantage
Not all stress is bad.
Eustress (good stress) can actually help you stay focused and motivated.
Next time you feel it, reframe it as excitement for a challenge rather than anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to control your life.
With these science-backed strategies, you can stress less, focus more, and show up as your best self at work and beyond.
Reader Poll
Your Turn: Share Your Tips!
Got a stress-busting tip of your own? Hit reply and share it with us!
You might see it featured in next week’s newsletter.
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Meet the Writer
Creator of the Linked And Lift.
A dedicated advocate for healthy workplaces, offering research-backed strategies on modern leadership, personal and professional growth, and burnout prevention to help you thrive in your career and life.
Love the reminder to embrace saying No! Thank you.