I recently received some feedback from members of our LIVESTRONG.com on-line community who told me they really need some “quick tips” for dealing more effectively with job stress. And sooooo… by popular demand… here they are! Hope this helps:
•Start off your day with breakfast or meet a friend occasionally.
•Allow time to relax and enjoy it.
•Instead of drinking coffee all day - drink fruit juice.
•Find some time during the day to meditate or listen to a relaxation tape.
•Organize your work priorities.
•Don't try to be perfect. Don't feel like you have to do everything.
•Avoid doing 2 or 3 or more things at a time.
•Speak up about petty annoyances while respecting other's feelings.
•Develop a co-worker support network.
•Don't take your job home with you or on breaks.
•Always take a lunch break (preferably not at your desk).
•Optimize your health with good nutrition, sleep and rest.
•Get regular exercise.
•Develop your own brand of happy hour, parties, birthday celebrations and other events with co-workers that act as a break in the work routine.
•Look at unavoidable stress as an avenue for growth and change.
•Avoid people who are “stress carriers” or “negaholics.”
•Don't watch the 10 pm news.
•Give yourself praise strokes.
•Develop interests outside your job through family, friends, and volunteering.
•Cultivate hobbies, and take special weekends and vacations. Treat yourself.
•Be assertive. Learn to express your needs and differences and to say no.
•Seek out emotional resources - coworkers, spouse, friends and family.
•Don't be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.
•Allow extra time to get to appointments.
•Take deep breaths when you feel stressed.
•Try to find something funny in difficult situations.
•Find ways to protect yourself ... take a "mental health day.”
Source: Mind/Body Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School
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