What are some ways to deal with anxiety at work?

There are certainly ways to manage workplace anxiety, workplace stress, and social anxiety so they don’t interfere as much with daily life. One easy starting point is to pause what you’re doing and take 30 seconds or a few minutes to do a breathing exercise. You can inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, and exhale for 8 counts. Or you can simply take deep diaphragmatic breaths.

In addition, try taking a walk outside for a few minutes, or connecting with a friend or co-worker to decompress and feel supported. 

To prevent anxiety at work, try prioritizing sleep, decreasing caffeine consumption, and doing your best to build in regular exercise.

Sometimes anxiety stems from concern about others’ perception of your workplace performance. In this situation, understanding expectations and working toward them in a concrete fashion may help with focus and productivity, which in turn can decrease concern about performance.