Some stress is helpful to keep us focused and on our toes but stress 24/7 is not healthy. Too much stress has been associated with a negative effect on memory, according to a research team in the October 2008 Journal of Neuroscience. As well, constant stress can negatively affect your health and workplace. Pressure from work or family responsibilities can feel overwhelming and often this stress carries over into your personal life.
We’ve all experienced too much stress. Some people are addicted to it. Living in a stressful state seems exciting. Others feel like if they stop being busy, their world will crumble or they won’t be as valuable. In truth, learning to manage your stress can improve your mental and physical health.
Here are some tips to cope with stress so you can enjoy improved relationships at work and home AND become more productive. Less stress = more productivity. Think I’m crazy? Read on!
1. Focus on what you want
If you’re consistently focusing on the worst case possible scenario for your week you will become more stressed out. Learn to manage your thoughts better by deciding what you allow into your mind and what is not allowed. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead. It means do your best and expect the best.
2. Spread your jobs out
If you try to accomplish a large job or several large jobs in a short amount of time and then fail, instead of beating yourself up, re-evaluate. Maybe your expectation of yourself is too high. Could you spread your work out a bit more? Wouldn’t it feel better if you gave yourself a little more time to accomplish projects? Then you could give yourself a pat on the back for your accomplishment. Be realistic about your time and capabilities.
3. Ask for help
Communication and humility are two beautiful keys that will help you lessen your stress load. Ask for help from someone else who may know how to handle the situation better than you. Maybe there’s a job that you just don’t like doing. Can you pass that on to someone else? Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak!! Strong people ask for help because they know their value does not diminish when they ask.
Put these tips into practice and start taking care of your whole self, not just ticking items off your to-do list. Give yourself permission to change your habits so you can become healthier and happier.
I have to constantly better myself if I want to see change. We’re no different. Change takes practice and practice makes perfect. By practicing stress reducing habits you will notice that you and those around you will start enjoying an emotional boost. Speaking of emotional boosts. Want to give me one? Drop by my facebook page and become a part of the self care community. I’d love to get to know you more! www.facebook.com/AmyEnglemarkCoaching
Cheers to handling stress in a more productive way!
Amy
