For many working Americans, the idea of “work/life balance” is synonymous with impossible. It’s a nice idea in theory but rarely executed well. In fact, almost 70% report they’re stressed about work and money. Even worse, most Americans feel they aren’t doing enough to manage their stress. Instead of letting stress get the best of you, try these four tips to leave work at the end of the day:

1. Say No

You want to take every opportunity to succeed, even if it keeps adding to your stress level. Learning to say ‘no’ can keep you from experiencing the mental and physical side effects of stress.

This extends to technology when you’re out of the office. Staying connected is important, but feeling as if you never stop working can complicate your life at home and can keep you from relaxing. If you need to check in after hours, schedule time to do so in the evening but stay present when you can.

2. Cut yourself some slack

Sometimes it isn’t necessarily the workload causing stress, but the pressure you put on yourself. You want to be reliable and efficient and someone people can count on, which is great, but not if it becomes an unhealthy obsession with perfection. Strive to do your best, but give yourself grace.

This is also about recognizing you can’t do everything on your own all the time. Maybe you have a co-worker suited to assist with the project or maybe a staffing agency can provide the employee with the right skill set.

3. Find flexibility when you can

A recent study of a corporation’s technology department gave one group the flexibility to work where and when they could, while the control group continued working normally in the office. The results found that both groups completed their work reliably and in the same amount of time, despite two different approaches.

Sometimes you need to be in the office but work with your supervisors to find that flexibility that allows you to be where you need to be when life inevitably happens.

4. Take care of yourself

Take time each day to breathe, meditate and exercise. Even a five-minute break at work can increase your productivity and decrease your feeling of being overwhelmed.

Outside of work, find hobbies you love and pursue them. Going home and thinking about the next day and everything you have to do can keep piling on the stress, but something you enjoy can distract you and put you in a better mindset to face the work week.

Find what works for you!

Here at Staffing Resources, we know that there are small things you can do every day to make sure work isn’t following you home. Most Americans work to live, so it’s crucial to enjoy your life. Contact us today to get all the help you need to land a great job!