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.
Here are a few simple and helpful tips to cut back on stress in the workplace:
- Pruning a bonsai tree can be therapeutic and calming. Just take a few minutes each day to keep your tree in shape. It can be a form of daily meditation.
- Place a photo or two of your loved ones above your work area — or even a snapshot of your pets. When you 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 you’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 and 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 at peace.
- Eat nutritious snacks, or suck on a mint every couple of hours. Or try crystalized ginger, which has a calming effect.
- Take an iPod to work and play your favorite music on your breaks — music definitely can lift your spirits.
Illustration: Zsuzsa N.K.