ATLANTA, June 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New studies are coming out monthly highlighting the high levels of stress in America, especially in the workplace. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly a quarter of Americans currently feel like they are under "extreme stress," largely related to job security and financial issues. In addition, 92 percent of employees have been more stressed out at work over the past five years than they were before the recession, according to Right Management. Online office supplies retailer OfficeZilla, a company that truly understands the value of "chilling out," offers advice on how to reduce stress in the workplace during Stress-Free America Month this June.
"Working harder does not necessarily mean that you are working smarter," said OfficeZilla President and co-founder, Brian Curin, also the President and co-founder of the national retail franchise Flip Flop Shops. "There are simple steps employees can take while in the office to help accomplish their to-do lists and stay focused, but not overwork themselves."
OfficeZilla does not take the effects of chronic stress lightly. The online office supplies company is working closely with Flip Flop Shops on an educational campaign to help people throughout North America reduce stress at home and in the workplace. Called "the Heart To Sole: Creating a Stress-Free America," the campaign launched in 2013 after Curin underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery last September to repair the complete to near-complete blockage in his four main arteries. Doctors linked the problem in part to stress that he endured earlier in his career.
Recognizing that the first step to a more casual, laid-back, and—in turn—healthier lifestyle is reducing stress in the workplace, OfficeZilla offers five strategies to help employees effectively decrease personal stress in the office each day:
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Manage your Time, Prioritize – The easiest way to tackle a heavy workload is to prioritize, rather than procrastinate. At the beginning of each day, identify what absolutely must get done now and, most importantly, set a timeframe for the rest of the work to be done that day. Keep a to-do checklist and cross off items as you go. Crossing off items is gratifying and you will feel much less stressed throughout the day when you can physically see that things are getting done.
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Take a Break – Studies show that when employees are stressed and overwhelmed, their productivity drops significantly. When you find yourself overwhelmed, take a break. Even 10 minutes away from the task helps a great deal. Take deep breaths. Go to your happy place. When you come back, you'll feel fresh, revived and ready to take it all on.
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Slow it Down ("Pace" Not "Race") – Life is not a race, so why rush? Slow down and your stress levels will drop significantly. Leave plenty of extra time to get places. Plan ahead for work deadlines so you are not always cramming under pressure. Take a moment to enjoy the company of your fellow coworkers.
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Don't Bring Work Home – While sometimes it's necessary to work overtime and bring work home, it should never become an everyday occurrence. Before bringing work home, think about whether the project absolutely must get done that night. In most instances, it can likely wait. If you work from home, choose a cutoff point and stick to it. And, watch out for that mobile device … constant emails on your phone outside the office are unhealthy on multiple levels.
- Avoid Stressful People – Stress is contagious and stressful people will rub off on you. If you constantly interact with people that are stressed, try to distance yourself from them. You'll most likely notice a significant change in your mood.
Living up to its tagline, Same Stuff. Less Money™, OfficeZilla offers everything a modern office could need—including office supplies, ink and toner, paper, office furniture, break room materials, office gadgets and cleaning products.
For more information, visit http://www.officezilla.com/ or visit the OfficeZilla blog at http://blog.officezilla.com.
About OfficeZilla
Founded in 2012 by the same major players who helped build favorite, household brand names like CNN, Nike, Cold Stone Creamery, Moe's Southwest Grill and Flip Flop Shops (a 2012 Inc. 200 company), OfficeZilla is an online retailer that boasts more than 35,000 name-brand office supplies for up to 20 percent less than suggested retail prices. Living up to its tagline, Same Stuff, Less Money™, OfficeZilla offers everything a modern office could need—including office supplies, ink and toner, paper, office furniture, break room materials, office gadgets and cleaning products—for a fraction of the cost. All items are shipped free, next day from the closest of its 35-plus distribution centers across North America. For more information, visit http://www.officezilla.com/ or visit the OfficeZilla blog at http://blog.officezilla.com. To get custom contract pricing, email saveusmoney@OfficeZilla.com.
The OfficeZilla logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=15861