It happens to all of us. The phone won't stop ringing, people keep asking you the same question, or your boss hasn't noticed the extra work you have done. It feels like it will never end. You're ready to scream. More and more people are reporting, that they feel stressed out at work.
According to a survey from The American Psychological Association, more than one-third of American workers experience chronic work stress. This is costing American corporations billions of dollars a year in lost work hours and medical bills. Not to mention, what the cost is to your quality of life, both in and out of work.
After working at non-profits, for-profits and in my own practice. I've learned a few things on how to reduce stress in the work place, that I'd like to share with you. Here are six tips to help reduce stress at work:
- Boundaries! Need I say more. I started working straight out of college and didn't understand the importance of saying no. Before, I knew it I was buried in work. Which meant I didn't have much of a social life nor was I taking very good care of myself. It also caused burn out and resentment. Don't say yes when you mean no. Make sure to ask lots of question about the project your supervisor would like you to take…
Read more: Tired Of Feeling Stressed Out At Work? Then, Read This Article.
We've all heard about and have experienced stress. We live in a fast paced society. Everything must be done now. This is not realistic and can cause unnecessary stress in our lives. It's important to slow down and experience "being in the moment."
We are always worried about the future. We really can't predict the future, so why try? Not only are we always trying to predict the future, we predict the most horrible things will happen. If you are going to spend a lot of time trying to predict the future, then at least have a happy ending. You will eventually get that promotion, buy a home, take your dream vacation, etc. But, you need to give it time.
Here are 10 simple ways to reduce stress:
- Be mindful. This is the practice of staying in the present. We can't go back, and like I said earlier, we can't predict the future. So, why not stay in the present. Savor the moment. Add, at least 5 minutes of mindfulness to your day. Set aside a time for it everyday, and stick to it. After a while, you will notice a change and you will feel more relaxed when life seems out of control.
- Call a friend. Good friendships are important for a healthy lifestyle. The next time you feel stressed, take some time out and…
As a therapist, I hear it all the time. 'I just can't do this, or I'm just not good enough, etc.' It's easy to put yourself down. We all have an inner dialogue, it's natural. Unfortunately, many people use it to beat themselves up. This can really bring you down. It's true, we are what we think. Your thoughts will affect how you feel. Here are ten tips to help conquer your inner dragon:
- Learn to relax. This is a great way to make your inner dragon go away. Take a yoga class or a meditation class. You can also listen to meditation on your iPod. Take a five minute break during the day to clear your mind and do some deep breathing.
- Have a change of scenery. This sounds simple and it is. Go for a drive on a country road or visit a nearby town. Take a trip to the beach or a nearby lake. This will help mix things up and you won't feel overwhelmed in your own environment.
- Avoid negative people. When you're depressed it's not that uncommon to attract negative people into your life. Negative people can drag you further down. You want to be around positive people who will help build you up. This will help decrease depression and help give you a positive attitude.
- Don't label yourself. It's…
'I'd really like to take time off, but I feel guilty."
Summer is over and fall is here. This means change is near or has already started. For some, it may have never stopped. With busy work schedules and children is school, you may never feel like you have any time for yourself. Next, the holiday season will be here, and we will all be wondering where the year went. Here are ten holiday coping tips to get you through the season:
- Go outside and watch the birds and other animals. Nature is a great escape and a good way to clear your mind. Leave all gadgets behind and just enjoy being outside.
- Sign up for a class that excites you at a local college, adult school or online. Make sure it is something fun that will help you keep your mind off of work and family.
- Make a list of ten things you're good at or that you like about yourself when you're feeling good, and keep it with you to read when you're feeling upset. This will help you focus on the positive rather than the negative.
- Take photographs. Take pictures of the outdoors, a pretty sunset, friends and family. Keep them stored on your phone or computer and look at them when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
- Read your favorite book, magazine, paper or poem. Reading is good for the brain.
- Write…
Read more: How To Get Through The Holiday Season & Not Kill Anyone
Contact Information
Office Location
Lianne Avila, MFT
1510 Fashion Island Blvd.
Suite 110
San Mateo, CA 94404
Phone Number
(650) 892-0357