 Have you ever had one of those weeks when you want to pull your hair out because you’re so frustrated? And it’s only Tuesday! April is National Stress Awareness Month and BuyOnlineNow.com wants to help you relieve some of your stresses and feel refreshed both mentally and physically.
Workplace stresses like hard-to-deal-with co-workers, deadlines, and child care concerns affect all of us. However, every individual reacts differently to these common stressors. Sore backs and necks, elevated blood pressures, and an over-reliance on unhealthy foods are just some of the symptoms people can exhibit when stress is not dealt with in a healthy and productive way. But how to deal with stress in a workplace environment? We can’t all just stop what we’re doing and take a five-minute yoga break can we? Sure, the manager with the big corner office can take a minute to look out his or her huge picture window and get lost in the view; but what about the employees in the mail room or in the cubicles ? Physical stress is actually the easiest to deal with if you’re willing to make some very small changes in your daily habits. I realize that everyone has different demands placed on them and that some people’s work environments simply don’t allow them to do much to combat stress. Here are just a few ideas that can be adapted to any individual’s daily routine. 1. Park your car a little farther from the entryway. Exercise like walking is a proven stress reliever and can help give you time to “prep” for the work day. The walk into work is the perfect time to take a couple of deep breaths, give yourself those daily reminders you always tell yourself you’re going to, and little more fresh air never hurt anyone. Tell yourself, “I’m not going to let so-and-so bother me today with their annoying habits” and “No matter what happens today, its work and when I’m done I’m going home to friends and family.” 2. Take 15-30 seconds every hour to stand up and go to the water fountain for a drink. 15-30 seconds isn’t a long time and it’s really not going to stop the world from spinning if you go get a drink of water. Plus, you’re actively reminding yourself to stay hydrated, which will allow your body to function much more efficiently and smoothly. 3. Use all the tools at your disposal. There are a number of workplace ergonomic aids that can help you to maintain proper posture in the workplace. Long periods of sitting in front of a computer are definitely not what the human body was designed for. Why slave away day after day only to develop carpal tunnel syndrome in your wrist or leave work with daily back and neck pain. Look for ergonomic chairs and ergonomic keyboards that will help you to sit comfortably and correctly. 4. Whenever possible: use the stairs to go from floor to floor, stand up at your workstation and stretch, take a couple of seconds to inhale deeply and exhale slowly. The slight relief you’ll gain from taking care of yourself will help get you through a long work week. Best of all; try to implement a few small office exercises into your day. It can be as simple as a little stretching, some chair dips, or just a couple of quick push-ups in your cube area. Whatever you are able to do will help. Exercise will take your mind off of the little things and allow you to focus on you. Employers often neglect the fact that a healthy, happy you is a more productive you. 5. Diet. Are you a constant snacker? Do you skip meals to complete work? Can you honestly say you had a healthy breakfast before coming to work? The old saying “You are what you eat” is just as applicable now as when it originated; whenever that was. Analyze what your eating habits are. Do you eat mostly quick, convenience foods from a machine or microwave? Are you drinking water throughout the day or do you always have a soda next to your desk that keeps you pumped full of caffeine? Strive to start your day with a healthy breakfast. It will help you avoid the mid-morning energy crash and give you the energy to get focused and stay focused. Whole foods like eggs, wheat toast, or oatmeal provide your body with quality nutrients to keep you going. Sugary cereals and doughnuts are no-no’s. By the way, you don’t have to give up coffee. Coffee is ok, but try to drink one glass or bottle of water for each cup of coffee. That way you’ll stay hydrated and won’t be so dependant on caffeine. Next week, I’ll offer up some other ways to help combat mental stress that you may find helpful. Our work and how we’re perceived as employees is important but it’s not so important that we should sacrifice our health and sanity in getting that work done.
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