When it comes to reducing stress in the workplace, you can only change so much for your environment, your job or the people you work with. The following strategies to reduce stress in the workplace and improve performance rely on changing the things you can control - what you do with your body.

1) Get out of your chair. Tension builds longer as you sit when energy and metabolism are slow. Several times a day it takes a minute or two for your body to move. Put your laptop on a cardboard box to stand and type, do some stretching to release muscle tension and stress, go up and down a few stairs, or go outside for a brisk walk around the building.

2) REALLY get out of your chair. A short burst of intense physical activity burns stress hormones and releases endorphins - the happy molecules - that restore balance. A cardiovascular interval workout not only burns more fat, more calories, and improves your fitness level dramatically; it also trains the body to recover from the "stress" of movement more quickly and efficiently. You improve your resilience.

3) Take frequent snack breaks. Eat a few small meals and snacks throughout the day to manage your blood sugar levels. What for? When the blood sugar level gets too low then it puts stress on the body, secretes stress hormones, sends it into survival mode and you get “hungry”: hungry and angry. You can also become impatient, critical and easily pushed over the edge. Not so great for performance.

4) Minimize caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. It is easy to achieve this when you are feeling stressed. In fact, all of these substances release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which actually increase the physiological stress on the body. Keep them to a minimum or find suitable spare parts.

5) Do not eat at lunch or dinner. Many people skip breakfast, work all morning, are surprised by the time when lunch rolls around, and then eat a huge meal. Putting too much glucose into the system at one time adds stress to the body causing higher insulin levels to be released, and any unused glucose is stored in the fat cells. Not only does eating too much stress on the body at the same time, but carrying extra fat also puts stress on the system. Not to mention the food coma you suffer after a big meal can reduce your motivation, energy and performance.

For further information to know more how-to reducing workplace stress, you can also consult your doctor today.