Best practices for managing stress at work and improving productivity
Stress at work is a scourge that affects many professionals, impacting on their well-being, concentration and efficiency. Yet there are effective strategies for reducing this pressure and boosting productivity. Here are the best practices for finding the right balance between performance and serenity.

1. Organize your work to reduce mental workload
A lack of organization can lead to stress and a feeling of overload. To better manage your workload :
- Prioritize your tasks using the Eisenhower method (urgent/important).
- Use a structured schedule (diary, project management tools such as Trello or Notion).
- Set clear, achievable goals to keep you motivated.

2. Learn to say no and set limits
Taking on too much responsibility can quickly become exhausting. To avoid this:
- Express your limits assertively.
- Apply Pareto’s law (80/20) by concentrating on high value-added tasks.
- Delegate whenever possible.

3. Incorporate active breaks to improve concentration
Working without a break impairs concentration and increases stress. Adopt :
- The Pomodoro method: 25 min of intense work, 5 min break.
- Active breaks: stretching, deep breathing, brisk walking.
Moments of disconnection (without screens) to rest your mind.

4. Manage stress with relaxation techniques
Simple exercises to help you cope with everyday stress:
- Diaphragmatic breathing: inhale slowly through the nose, hold the air, then exhale gently.
- Cardiac coherence: 6 breaths per minute for 5 minutes to calm the nervous system.
Mindfulness meditation: a few minutes a day is all it takes to regain calm.

5. Adopt a healthy lifestyle for greater resistance to stress
A healthy body manages stress better. Think about :
- Get regular sleep (7-8 hours a night).
- Regular physical activity (even a 15-minute walk every day helps).
Eat a balanced diet (reduce coffee and refined sugars, and choose magnesium-rich foods).

6. Improve your working environment
An optimized workspace contributes to concentration and stress reduction:
- Personalize your office with plants or soothing objects.
- Optimize your posture with an ergonomic chair and screen at the right height.
Limit distractions (notifications, ambient noise).

7. Cultivate a positive mindset
The way we perceive difficulties plays a role in our stress levels. To adopt a more constructive approach :
- Practice gratitude by writing down 3 positive things a day.
- Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
- Learn to put stressful situations into perspective.

Managing stress at work requires a combination of good habits and practical tools. By applying these tips, you can not only reduce stress and improve productivity and your daily well-being. Why not try these practices today?