10 Practical Ways to Reduce Stress in the Workplace

By lunchtime, you may already have answered dozens of questions, navigated a change of plans and helped several people through a difficult moment.

If you work in early childhood education, the advice to “take some time for yourself” can feel hard to fit into the day you are actually having.

For Stress Awareness Day, here are ten practical ways to reduce stress in the workplace. Some are things you can try yourself. Others need a conversation, a team agreement or action from a leader.

Choose one that would make a useful difference in your workplace. You do not need to turn this list into ten more tasks.

1. Agree on what needs to happen first

When everything feels urgent, ask your leader to help set priorities. Try: “I have these three things to complete in the time available. Which needs to come first, and what can wait?”

Keep children’s safety and essential care at the centre. Agree on realistic expectations for the other work, rather than quietly trying to fit everything into an already full day.

2. Protect a proper break

Talk with your team about when breaks will happen and who will provide coverage. If you supervise children, arrange a clear handover before stepping away.

Use your break for something you need: food, a drink, a seat or a few quiet minutes. If breaks are repeatedly missed or delayed, raise the pattern with your leader so the coverage plan can be reviewed.

3. Make requests specific

“I need help” is a worthwhile start. Adding one clear request makes it easier for someone to respond.

For example: “Could you help me prepare these resources during our planning time?” or “Could we arrange ten minutes to talk through that family conversation?”

If you lead a team, be clear about what help you can provide and when.