We all know work can be stressful, with tight deadlines and constantly juggling tasks leaving even the most organised among us feeling exhausted.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, more than 914,000 adults in the UK have reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety in just 12 months, making it one of the leading causes of absenteeism, leading to 16.4 million lost working days. It’s no surprise that finding ways to relieve stress at work has become a top priority for businesses and employees alike.
Stress chips away at productivity and affects our mood, sleep, focus and overall wellbeing. However, there are plenty of practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help you feel more in control, whether you’re working in a traditional office, from home, or enjoying the perks of flexible office space in London.
1. Take control of your space
A tidy desk is a sign of a tidy mind. Clutter can increase stress levels, so if your desk looks like a paper explosion, your brain is likely to feel just as scattered. Keeping a clean, organised workspace helps to create a feeling of calm and makes it easier to focus. Set a decluttering schedule once a week and make space for things that inspire calm, such as a plant or a favourite photo.
2. Manage your time efficiently
One of the best ways of relieving stress at work is by being organised. When your to-do list is longer than your arm, it’s tempting to panic and flit between tasks, due to feeling overwhelmed. Start by breaking big projects into smaller ones and prioritising what really matters. Consider what needs to happen today and what can wait until tomorrow. Planning your week in advance and marking events on your calendar helps reduce the chaos and manages both your own and your manager’s expectations. Over time, you’ll feel more in control and less likely to experience that frazzled end-of-week burnout.
3. Get a good night’s sleep
Sleeping well is a game changer, as insomnia is one of the biggest contributors to stress, quickly becoming a cycle. The more stressed you are, the harder it is to sleep – and the less sleep you have, the more anxious you feel. Most adults need around seven hours a night, but quality matters just as much as quantity. Switch off electronic devices at least an hour before bed, avoid caffeine in the evening and keep to a regular sleep schedule. You’ll feel sharper, more resilient and better able to manage your workload.
4. Take proper breaks
It might feel counterproductive when you’re busy, but stepping away from your desk makes you more efficient. Taking even a ten-minute walk can reduce mental fatigue. Better still, take a lunch break outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to work in a London office space, stroll around the city’s green parks and riverside walks, or enjoy a light lunch in a quiet café. Any change of scenery can work wonders for your mental reset.
BE Offices have the balance right, with breakout lounges and relaxation zones designed specifically to help people take time out during the day. We’re also big on community-led wellness events, from calming meditation sessions to food-themed socials, supporting long-term wellbeing.
5. Don’t let pressure build up
Whether it’s demands from a manager, or pressure you put on yourself, it’s important to keep a handle on how much you’re really dealing with. Sometimes, the most stressful situations come from unclear roles and unrealistic expectations. This is where a good team leader can make all the difference.
If something’s not working, speak up, share your concerns, and ask for support. Discuss what’s achievable, as most leaders genuinely want to help and appreciate the chance to work on a solution before burnout happens. Promoting open communication and encouraging the use of wellness resources is a way every company can actively support employees’ health and wellbeing.
6. Fuel your body the right way
What you eat and drink can directly affect your mood and energy. The familiar post-lunch crash is often caused by sugary snacks or too much caffeine. Instead, go for slow-release energy foods like whole grains, fruits, nuts and protein-rich meals.
Cutting down on coffee, hydrating with water, and swapping fizzy drinks for herbal teas are all simple changes that support your wellbeing. At BE Offices, clients are regularly treated to wellbeing brunches, build-your-own bagel bars and healthy snacks like apples, proving that good nutrition and workplace wellness can go hand-in-hand.
7. Try to relax
Learning to relax may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but it can be done. Daily breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or even five minutes of gentle stretching can make a huge difference in reducing stress levels.
BE Offices offers wellness-focused amenities that help employees reset. Whether it’s a quiet moment in a plant filled lounge, or participating in an onsite yoga session, taking time to slow down is part of what makes a workplace sustainable. Remember, relaxation doesn’t always mean sitting still. Hobbies, creative activities and trying something new can also help you to recharge your batteries.
8. Consider how you talk to yourself
The way you speak to yourself matters, according to psychologists. If your inner voice is constantly saying, “I can’t do this,” or “I’m not good enough,” your stress levels will go through the roof. Instead, practice positive self-talk. Remind yourself what you’ve achieved and treat yourself kindly. Swap “I have to do this” for “I choose to,” and see how your mindset begins to shift. This simple technique can help boost confidence and resilience.
9. Prioritise your physical health
You don’t need to run a marathon, but getting your body moving is one of the fastest ways to feel better. Even 30 minutes’ moderate exercise a day such as walking, cycling or yoga can improve your mood. Many flexible office spaces in London include on-site gyms, like those offered by BE Offices. Complete a quick pep-me-up workout without leaving the building, or if you’re tight on time, gear yourself up by joining our free online fitness programme. Some centres even have a golf simulator for a little end-of-day fun!
10. Stay connected
When stress builds up, it’s common to shut people out, but staying socially connected is vital for your emotional health. Whether it’s a quick chat with a colleague or manager, or a deeper conversation with a friend, talking things through helps.
Workplaces that foster a sense of community are much better at supporting mental health. We build this into our culture with regular social events, wellness days and even themed drinks parties, offering space not just for work, but to make connections.
What is employee wellbeing really about?
It’s not just about perks or occasional treats: it’s a company-wide commitment to helping people feel healthy, supported and empowered to do their best work. That includes mental, emotional and physical health, and a culture that encourages respect.
BE Offices’ spaces are built with wellbeing in mind – from biophilic design and sustainable practices to inspirational layouts. By learning how to relieve stress at work, you’re not only protecting your health, but also boosting your ability to succeed.
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