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Change mindset when leaving work
There may be times when you just can’t finish up your tasks at work. Or maybe it’s a bad day you had (boss making horrible decisions, coworkers acting out, etc.). It is easy to think about that and bring it home. However, it is important to leave not bring it home. Home is place where you can destress and not have these things bother you. By changing your mindset at work you can make your home a peaceful sanctuary.
Posts under ‘Stress Management’
3 ways to avoid bringing the stress of work home
5 additional ways of dealing with your anxiety
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Rely on your support system
A support system could consist of your therapist, physician, family members, friends, people of your church, co-workers, etc. It is important to surround yourself with positive people, as they can be a positive influence.
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Humor
Laughter is the best medicine does have some truth. Laughter is a great stress reliever. Smiling a lot can also make someone feel better.
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Good nutrition and adequate sleep
Caffeine can increase your anxiety. Balancing your diet with vegetables, proteins, vitamins can help you feel emotionally better. Also it is important to get adequate sleep every day. Lack of sleep can leave people feeling groggy, angry, and anxious.
5 more ways of dealing with your anxiety
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Exercise
Walking, running, or any type of aerobic exercise is a good stress reliever. It decreases muscle tension and gives you more energy.
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Using positive self-talk
Talking to yourself contributes greatly to how you feel. Positive affirmations like “I will have a good day” goes a long way.
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Keeping a journal
This is one way of venting your feelings and frustration. Writing down your thoughts can also help declutter ideas that may be contributing to your anxiety.
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Confront phobias
There may be fears or phobias contributing to your anxiety. It is important to work with a professional therapist in combatting phobias depending on the severity.
5 ways for dealing with anxiety
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Identify source of anxiety
Recognize symptoms of anxiety. How often do you get them? In what situations?
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Confront anxiety
Motivate yourself to understand issues related to your anxiety.
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Relaxation skills
Anxiety can contribute to becoming physically stressed, but the body is connected in such a way that when a body is stressed it cannot be relaxed. Therefore, when a body is relaxed it cannot be stressed. Techniques that promote relaxation include progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, visualization, and meditation.
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Problem solve
Deal with issues, creating your anxiety that you can do something about. For those that you can’t do anything about learn to let go.
10 tips on how to manage stress
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Adequate sleep
Creating a routine to get deep sleep can help you feel refreshed. Before bed, it helps to meditate, drink herbal tea (with no caffeine) or taking a warm bath can also help.
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Good nutrition
Certain foods such as those with high fat content can leave you feeling fatigued. Caffeine can also increase feelings of anxiety and strength.
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Learn meditation and other relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques can relieve tremendous stress.
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Take short breaks
Not taking breaks can make it difficult for you to concentrate, as well as be a energy drainer. By taking breaks, you can increase your energy level and work more effectively thereby not getting stressed.
5 warning signs of stress
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Insomnia
When I have things to worry about it is hard for me to go to sleep.
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Headaches and sore muscles
When you are constantly stressed, your muscles are always in alert mode, which can create tension.
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Stomach problems
Acid is secreted in the stomach when you are stressed. Excess of acid can lead to a multitude of problems including heartburn and ulcers.
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Addictive behavior
Many try to cope with chronic stress through negative coping mechanisms. These include drinking alcohol, smoking, overeating, overspending, gambling, etc.
Types and sources of stress
Have you ever felt an adrenaline rush before a huge athletic match or a piano concert? Or maybe it was the “stress” before a huge exam or huge work project. Everyone at some point has experienced stress. It is the body’s natural way of urgently responding to an external stimuli. There are times that stress can be perceived to be positive:
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when it is short-term
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acts as a motivator
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improves productivity
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improves performance
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important to mental and physical fitness
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focuses energy
However, negative stress can have a deterimental effect:
5 Ways to reduce stress and gain energy
Here are some tips on finding ways to gaining energy.
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Make a quiet time
No matter how extroverted on person could be, it is important to have quiet time. This is a time where you can gather your thoughts and create physical and mental space for yourself.
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Stop procrastinating
Procrastination creates tremendous stress. You feel constantly pressured for time to complete a project. Successful people may procrastinate at times, but when it comes to long-term goals, many plan ahead.
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Write lists
Lists can help relieve the clutter that can swirl in your head.
4 different styles of coping with stress
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Physically
Sometimes people prefer physical strategies to manage stress. Biologically, physical activity can increase endorphins; thereby feeling less negative effects of stress. Physical activities include general exercise, sports (volleyball, basketball, golf), walking, running, yoga, etc.
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Physiologically
These include relaxation strategies such as meditation or tai chi. It includes relaxing at the spa, listening to music, deep breathing exercises. This style tends to be more thoughtful and contemplative.
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Emotionally
These are emotional efforts to manage stress such as developing a strong support network or using creativity to express emotions. Ways of coping emotionally include talking with friends, drawing, etc.
Spring Forward: 8 Ways to reduce stress and gain energy at work
“In times of stress, be bold and valiant.”- Horace (Ancient Roman Poet)
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Talk to someone you can trust.
Sometimes venting your feelings to trusted co-workers can be a good release since they know what you are going through. Other times, this can increase stress due to “office politics/office gossip” so it is best to consult a professional (employee assistance program) or someone outside the profession.
