REDUCING STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

We live in a world in constant change, yet most people find it difficult making the decisions needed to cope with or adapt to those changes.  Instead, they push against the changes as though they were going to move aside. That's called stress. Stress is a state of anxiety produced when events and responsibilities exceed one's coping ability.

How to reduce stress on the job:
 
*Start off your day with breakfast, at home or on your way to work.  

*Occasionally change your routine by meeting a friend or coworker for breakfast & allow enough time to enjoy it.

*Design your daily calendar so you have a chance to perform at least one activity at which you are good. 

*Don't try to do two or three things at once.

*Avoid drinking coffee or soft drinks all day; drink water or fruit juice instead.

*Consider planning to use uninterrupted blocks of time - which may save time and tempers - for working on big jobs or a collection of smaller jobs.

*Create a pleasant work environment in your immediate surroundings as much as possible. A flower, pictures of your family, souvenirs from vacations all personalize your space.

*Decide not to gossip or to allow others' gossip to infiltrate your day.

*Be assertive, learn how to express differences, make requests, and say "no" constructively.

*Interact at least once a day with someone or something that makes you laugh.

*Set achievable goals. Don't cause yourself undue pressure by having perfectionistic and unrealistic expectations of yourself.

*Keep lunchtime free of shop talk. Get away from the office and enjoy talking about other things. Don't take your job with you on breaks. Take a creative lunch break. Explore your neighborhood; take a walk, read a book, etc.
	
*Practice mini mind trips where you recall a scene that is especially calming to you (about 1 to 2 minutes).

*Take periodic breaks to stretch, take deep breaths, and release tension. Realize that the time it takes away from the task makes you a more productive worker.

*Avoid unnecessary competition. Too much concern with winning in too many areas of life can create excessive tension and anxiety - and makes you unnecessarily aggressive.

*After a disappointing setback, take stock of your achievements to restore self-confidence. Determine what you learned from the setback.

*Attempt to solve problems when you are at your best mentally and physically. Don't let unresolved problems linger or accumulate.	

*Get unpleasant tasks over with early in the day, and then reward yourself with a fun task.

*Schedule your time - at the office and at home - to ensure that you have enough time to accomplish your goals without rushing. This includes scheduling and leaving for appointments so you can get there on time.