Any job can be stressful, and stress isn't necessarily a bad thing. Good stress gives your body a boost of energy and helps you decide what to do. It can help you motivate yourself through the workday, accomplish your tasks efficiently, and help your body cope with stressful situations that are inevitable in life. However, too much stress or "bad stress" can lead to negative effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health, which can ultimately affect your life inside and outside of work. 

If you have a job that tends to increase your stress levels to a borderline overwhelming amount, it's vital to have a healthy set of coping mechanisms that can help you get through each workday. Starting with self-care practices is the best first step you can take. So, here are several self-care practices that you should start doing at work.

Leave work on time 

Unless it is absolutely necessary to do overtime, leave work on the dot. Of course, this entails finishing all of your tasks within the day so that you can actually leave on time without leaving backlogs behind, so be sure to waste no time during the day. This practice helps you set boundaries between your work and personal lives, preventing them from bleeding into each other and having you work outside of office hours. That said, leave work on time so that you can get to your Revlite laser skin whitening treatment, meet up with your friends, or go home to your family early.

Keep your desk clean and organized 

A messy desk tends to cause a cluttered mind. Keep your desk clean and free from unnecessary items to make yourself feel more organized and focused.

Avoid working lunches 

When it's time for lunch, leave your workspace and eat somewhere you can relax and actually take a break from the mental marathon of the day. Put down your phone, too, and focus on your food. Take a walk around the block to stretch your legs afterward. If you have more time, have a coffee and chat with your co-workers about non-work related stuff. Lunch breaks should be your personal time, not an extra window to do more work.

Stay hydrated 

Keep a reusable water bottle at your desk and take sips every now and then. Too many people forget to drink water throughout the day (and only drink water during breaks, if they can even manage that), and suffer from the effects of dehydration, sometimes without even knowing that they are dehydrated. 

The recommended amount of fluid intake per day is 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 for women. This includes fluid from water, beverages, and food. You would need to drink more water if the weather is hot if you have higher physical activity than normal, and if you drink caffeinated beverages throughout the day.

If you check out this dentist in Ballantyne NC now, they'll also tell you that staying hydrated is not just good for beating the heat, it's also good for your dental health. Water neutralizes the pH level in your mouth, lessening the period your teeth are exposed to acid.

Prevent eye strain 

If your work involves staring at a screen all day, be proactive in avoiding eye strain. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and stare at something at least 20 meters away for 20 seconds. It's also a good idea to close your eyes for a few seconds to give them a break from the screen and overhead lights.

Be proactive at your job 

Ask your boss for feedback so that you know where you stand, work-wise; don't wait for the quarterly employee evaluation to find out how you're doing and what you need to improve. Take initiative and proceed with your work if you don't need a boss to tell you what to do. Organize, prepare, and problem-solve so that when an issue arises, you are well-equipped to handle it without getting stressed out too much. 

Being proactive does not only reduce your stress levels, but it is also a great way to build a reputation of competence and levelheadedness in the workplace. Your bosses will likely notice it, and you will have better chances of pay bumps and promotions over time.

Make friends 

Deepening your work relationships beyond the acquaintance level is another form of self-care that most people don't realize. Strong interpersonal relationships are critical for our health. And since you spend 40 hours a week with these people, making friends with them can make your work life more enjoyable and fulfilling. 

Most people think it's okay to suffer through the entire workweek if they compensate for it with a pampering weekend. But why would you beat yourself up five days out of the week if you can take better care of yourself at work? With these tips, you can take good care of yourself while also boosting your career in the process.