With all the distractions, decisions, and duties that bombard us at work, it’s not surprising to find yourself battling stress in the workplace at times. During these moments of stress and frustration, it is important to remain calm and find ways to increase positivity and productivity. Luckily for you, we’ve gathered our best tips for changing your mindset when you need to find zen during a stressful day in the office. Check them out below.

1. Press Pause

When you feel yourself first becoming overwhelmed, remember to press pause and take a deep breath to refocus. Being able to press pause, even for a minute, can help realign all of the mish-mash going on in your head. It seems so simple, but it is unbelievable how powerful just one single deep breath can be on resetting your course. Close your eyes, take a breath, and get ready to move on.

2. Take a Break

Sometimes a quick moment and deep breath just won’t cut it. Try taking a short break instead. A 5-minute break in another room, making a cup of coffee, or going on a quick walk around the block can do wonders for your brain and concentration. As things pile up physically, they also pile up mentally. Taking a break is beneficial not just for finding your zen in a hectic moment, but also for your productivity and creativity.

3. Make a Plan

When tasks pile up on top of one another, it can be daunting to know where to begin. We recommend writing down all your to-do’s and listing them in order of priority. This will allow you to focus on one task at a time, be more productive, and feel less overwhelmed by your mountain of work. Use a stylish and reliable pen like the Sarasa Grand Gel Retractable Pen. The Sarasa Grand features rapid dry gel ink technology to prevent smudges and smears and comes in six different barrel colors so you can pick a look that suits your style. If your plan needs a little more flexibility, try the M-350 Mechanical Pencil. It has a rubberized grip for comfort and the erase ability of a pencil.

4. Ask Questions and Communicate

Sometimes we just aren’t sure how to get started on a project or what the expectations are. One way to help ease your stress is to communicate with those around you. Ask questions about the task at hand if you need clarification or have questions. If you are just juggling too much, voice your concern to your team members or manager. Communicating with your team can help give you the support that you need and help you be more productive and calmer.

5. Be Confident

In moments of absolute frustration and stress, remember that you are capable of doing hard things. You were hired for this position for a reason. Stay confident in your skills and abilities. Not every day will be a walk in the park but tapping into positive affirmations and whatever makes you feel confident can help prevent you from breaking down on those tough days. You got this! No matter how frustrating your day at work is, just remember one thing: eventually the day will end. There are plenty of ways to find zen during a demanding day and we hope these few ideas will help you get through a particularly rough one. Find out how you can Choose Different and succeed in your work life by checking out our other professional guidance blog posts.