Ways to Lower Stress in Your Personal and Professional Life
With Christmas almost upon us, this time of year can create all different kinds of stress. Family occasions, having a career, dealing with difficult co-workers, and annoying customers means that you could be under a lot of stress. Unlike much of the stress in other areas of your life, professional and family stress is often based on the expectations of others.
With that in mind, it’s important that you find healthy and productive ways to channel that stress. When you deal with all sorts of people daily, including negative people, this becomes even more important to your sense of peace and well-being at work and at home.
When it comes to your career, focusing on making money and advancing your profession are both more important than the latest office politics or gossip. To be accepted, a lot of people try to be part of the group. Yet this often leads to getting little accomplished during the workday, creating stress from missed deadlines, or dealing with the expectations of others.
For someone to stress you out, get you angry, or make you feel inferior, you have to give them permission to do so. Rather than give someone a chance to make you feel bad, ignore what others do and concentrate on the things that matter to you. If others at the office talk about you because of this, what does it matter? You are more important.
Instead of worrying about acceptance, focus on the following:
- Remind yourself why you work and what your goals for the future are.
- Breathe slowly and deeply so you can stay calm.
- When dealing with family, accept that sometimes you can’t impact their thoughts or behaviours.
- When leaving work, leave stress at the office, where it belongs.
- Take a break, even if you’re busy. You need time to unwind.
- Get some exercise, even if it’s just getting up and stretching periodically.
Move Away From Stress
When you recognise that stress is something you want out of your life, you can start to move away from stress and toward peace and joy. It may take time, but with effort, you’ll feel less and less stress controlling your day. When feelings of worry or anxiety approach, you’ll keep them at bay with a poised, thoughtful, effective response.
The direction your thoughts take is often the direction your life takes. When you keep moving forward and focus on the things that matter to you instead of thinking about what everyone else is doing, you’re able to get more accomplished.
Take time for yourself, too. Make time away from work to de-stress by doing things you find relaxing. Relaxing in your personal time off the job also helps you keep your job stress at bay.
Most of all, keep things simple. Focus on solutions instead of problems, take deep breaths, and remain calm. You can learn to respond calmly and effectively in the workplace. When you do, your productivity will soar as your stress melts away.
