5 Easy Ways to Outrun Stress at Work
By Sandy Schroeder
Most people encounter some stress at work. Usually we can outrun it, but sometimes it manages to throw us off track or slow us down.
If you are having more than your share of stress, Forbes has come up with five ways to cope, drawing from Kelly McGonigal, author of The Upside of Stress, and Michelle Gielan, author of Broadcasting Happiness.
Turn Your View of Stress Around
Often we may feel weighed down by stress, seeing it as an ongoing negative, but researchers are now telling us that learning to view stress as helpful can change everything. If we see stress as a motivator and booster for our performance, we may relax a little and feel more confident. Fatigue, headaches and backaches may drop way back.
It really can be mind over matter. When you begin to feel stressed and nervous, remind yourself that this is a good sign, not a negative. Gradually you may see the signs of stress as stimulants instead of hazards.
Get Moving with That First Step
When you feel overwhelmed by stress, take that first step to do something about the problems that you face. Once we are moving and actually working on the issue, one thing may lead to another to make the whole situation less stressful.
Reach Out to Connect and Help Others
Stress often drops way back when we make the effort to help others, and connect with everyone around us. All of the positives that come out of our interactions can work to calm us down and make us more comfortable at work. Mentoring is also considered a good indicator of future success. The people who take the time and make the effort to help others are often seen as natural leaders.
Skip the Negative News Alerts
Don’t let a stream of heavy duty news define your day. Try starting the day with a brisk walk, breakfast with your family, and some upbeat background tunes. Researchers say people who depend on automatic news notifications tend to be a lot more down by the end of the day than those who spend the day in one-on-one conversations.
Keep the Positives Coming
Make an effort to see the humorous side. Stress has a much harder time getting a grip on us when we are busy sharing jokes or having coffee with co-workers. A relaxed, positive attitude can be contagious, making everything a little less intense, and helping us absorb problems as they come up.
If these suggestions work, keep looking for more ways to defeat stress and enjoy life more.
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