How to Deal with Stress At Work in 10 Minutes (or LESS)

Stress from work is commonly felt when you lose grip on the things you're trying to control. It can trigger a variety of issues and significantly affect your performance. Physical signs of stress include shoulder and neck pain, stomach aches, headaches, or even migraines.

Stress is inevitable—it's part of life and needs to be dealt with proactively. It can make you feel irritable, anxious, or even too sick to get out of bed. For those in “no work, no pay” jobs, stress-related absences can be especially discouraging. Thankfully, there are effective ways to manage stress before it takes a toll.

How Do You Deal With Stress?

Fortunately, there are simple—not necessarily easy—ways to reduce stress. It’s not just about reading what to do; it’s about actually doing it. You’ll probably recognize many of these tips and think, “of course, I can do that.” But the real difference comes from practice and consistency.

The best part? Many of these stress busters only take a few minutes to start—and within 10 minutes, they can shift your mood from anxious to productive.

Stand While Working

One of the simplest ways to reduce stress at work is to incorporate more movement. Static work—like sitting all day—can lead to long-term health issues. Without regular activity, you're at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, colon cancer, and even muscle atrophy.

Standing while working can help combat this. If you're new to it, start gradually. Use a standing desk or standing desk converter to create a sit-stand workstation. Begin with standing for 10 minutes at a time, and slowly increase your standing intervals. Sit only when necessary or when a task requires it. Standing boosts energy, improves focus, and promotes better circulation—making it a powerful stress-reduction tool.

Practice Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are powerful for managing immediate stress—especially during high-pressure moments like deadlines, tense meetings, or difficult customer interactions.

Try abdominal breathing. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe deeply through your nose, making sure your diaphragm (not your chest) inflates. Aim for six slow, deep breaths in about 10 minutes. Practicing this daily can increase your awareness and help regulate your emotional responses when things get tense at work.

Take a Nap (Yes, Really!)

Some forward-thinking companies like Google allow power naps—and for good reason. A 10-minute nap during your break can increase alertness, improve mood, and boost productivity. If your workplace doesn’t promote napping, you can still use your lunch break to sneak in a quick rest. You’ll likely feel more refreshed and better prepared to tackle the mid-afternoon slump.

Move More, Worry Less

If you're feeling overwhelmed, even short physical activities like stretching, walking around the office, or doing light desk exercises can help clear your mind and release tension. Pair this with mindful breathing, hydration, and a standing-friendly setup, and you’re on the right path toward a healthier, more productive workday.

Try these proven stress busters and see how your day improves. Have a go-to stress relief tip that works for you? Share it and help someone else manage their workday better!