Categories
My L.A. therapy center

Wilshire/Valley Centers
Individual therapy
Couples counseling
Family therapy
Psychology blogs

Evil Deeds
Addiction in Society
Realizing the Self
Mind Hacks
The Journey Ahead
My new book
A note to readers

This psychotherapy blog discusses issues in a general way. If any of these topics resonate with you, I urge you to address them via your personal-growth support system. Some of the problems I write about are best handled by professional mental health providers.

7 ways to tame stress in the workplace

September 8, 2008 · Filed Under Stress and Anxiety

Here are a few simple and helpful tips to cut back on stress in the workplace.

Work can be a source of joy or constant anxiety. Usually, it’s somewhere in between. Some things are under your control; many others are not.

Techniques as simple as taking a a deep breath and counting to 10 can make a big difference in the quality of your work life.

Pruning a bonsai tree can be very therapeutic and calming. Just take a few minutes each day to keep your tree in shape. It can be a form of daily meditation for you.
You might want to put a photo or a few of your loved ones above your work area or perhaps some of your pets, so that when you take a break or look up from your work you will be able to feel the heart connection you have with those you love.
Remember to take a breath and count to 10 before responding to anyone in the work place who makes a comment that might be hurtful to you or make you feel angry. Breathe, count to 10 and then youâ€™ll be able to respond rather than react. Reactivity is stress-making, while responding places you in control of a situation. Remember no one can define the importance of your worth but you. If you think someone is trying to devalue you, take that breath, tell yourself, “I have deep worth, and I will respond to this situation knowing I have deep worth.”
Freud said life is all about love and work. I’d like to add one more thing: fun! Try to keep your sense of humor during the day and plan to have fun sometime after you leave work, in whatever form that takes for you.
On your lunch break, take a short walk. If possible, go somewhere you can see nature — or just be around a fountain — and spend 10 minutes.
Eat nutritious snacks, or suck on a mint every couple of hours or some crystalized ginger, which has a calming effect.
Take an iPod and play your favorite music on your breaks — music definitely can lift your spirits.

Please share this post: