Stress is a factor in almost every workplace. In fact, 58 percent of Canadians say they are overworked, which is a big cause of stress. What’s more, stress is the reason 25 percent of Canadians give when quitting their jobs. And healthcare is one of the most stressful industries, with long shifts taking a toll on workers’ health. In fact, a recent study found that 58 percent of Canadian nurses are overweight or obese. Respondents said the demands of their jobs didn’t allow them enough time to take care of themselves.
To help combat stress within your team, we’ve put together suggestions and stress relief giveaways will help your staff manage their stress.
Make music
Music has been shown to help people relax by triggering alpha brainwaves or reminding us of happy times. And for those so inclined, singing or dancing along helps, too! Help your staff groove their stress away with Bluetooth® ear buds or a portable speaker.
Exercise the brain
Crossword puzzles help reduce stress while still engaging the mind, making them more beneficial than less mentally taxing activities like watching television. This puzzle planner contains crosswords, word searches and Sudoku® puzzles for added variety.
Laugh it off
Laughter reduces stress hormones, including cortisol, epinephrine and dopamine, while also increasing endorphins. Finding ways to laugh on a daily basis can help your employees keep stress at bay. Offer them a funny pen or a smiling stuffed animal. (Bonus: Holding a stuffed animal can help reduce stress, too!)
Get more sleep
According to the American Nurses Association®, one of the best things a nurse can do to fight fatigue is make sure they get enough sleep each night. That’s true for everyone. According to the Canadian Sleep Society, the average adult requires at least seven hours of quality sleep per night. An eye mask can help them dim the lights no matter what time of day they’re resting, while an activity band can help them track their sleep time to make sure they’re getting the rest they need. Finally, some lavender oil can help ease their stress and make it easier to relax.
A little self-care goes a long way
Offer your team stress relief giveaways to remind them how important it is to laugh, sleep and have a little fun. They’ll appreciate your help in chasing stress away!