How to Stress Less and Work Better
By Sandy Schroeder
We all live with daily stress, but sometimes it boils up and spills over into our jobs, making everything more difficult. It’s time to find ways to ease up and relax if you are enduring sleeplessness nights and days filled with tension and worry.
Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-founder of TalentSmart, an agency that serves 75 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, took a look at this issue and came up with some simple ways to calm down and get more done.
Remember how positive feels - If you are already anxious when a new situation pops up, it is all too easy to flare up or cave, creating more anxiety. To handle whatever comes up, remind yourself of all of the things you have already accomplished. Then take the challenge in stride and keep on going.
Reach out to your fans - Take a moment to talk with friends or family and outline your concerns. They may have had similar issues and have constructive suggestions. Often talking through problems and just knowing a support group is in place eases some if the tension.
Get enough sleep - Don’t let sleeplessness become a habit. Create a sleep retreat with blackout drapes, an air filter to screen noise, and clean the air, and a comfortable pillow and mattress. Park the TV, phone, and tablet outside and develop a sleep ritual with a warm bath, soft music or a good book. Limit caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods and try to go to bed at the same time each night.
Think about what you have - Take a minute to realize how lucky you really are when work or worries seem overwhelming. Family, friends, home and jobs are all valuable things to be thankful for. Treat them well and enjoy every minute with your loved ones.
Step away and disconnect - Know when to pull the plug, shut down the phone and take an afternoon off. It’s amazing what a few hours away can do. If that works, plan a few weekend getaways too.
Laugh a little or a lot - A funny movie or a quick conversation with an amusing friend can go a long way to relax the mind and the body. The most successful people that I have known always found ways to see the funny side of life.
Open the discussion for new ideas - It’s surprising what a few brainstorming sessions can do to lighten the mood and get work moving. New ideas, information or research may be just what is needed to move into a positive new work groove.
Keep looking for more if these tips work for you. If stress persists for more than a week or two, consider seeing your doctor and a counselor to work on the problem.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in McKinney, Tex.