Feb 05 2010
Ej tips to staying focused and de-stressed in your career
Tough economic times are increasing business and personal stress for many of us, phenomenon like workplace conflicts are becoming common. The difficult economy is producing an emotional roller coaster where fear and uncertainty are rampant. Today’s business environment, characterised fewer people and more work, is a recipe for disaster. Here are some tips on how to keep yourself focused and distressed - by living a balanced and healthy life.
Take responsibility for your stress: Eleanor Roosevelt famously said that no one can make you feel bad without your permission. Choose to manage your stress. Choice is one of our most powerful tools in coping with our environment. Deciding to keep things from bothering you and staying positive is a great way to start.
Have thick skin: You are not the only person feeling pressure. If your manager or coworker is a bit curt, aggressive or down right mean let it bounce off you. Don’t take things personally since a person’s behavior says more about them than it does you. These days the workplace is highly combustible so reduce the stress level by not reacting when provoked.
Communicate effectively: Don’t let stress from interpersonal relationships fester and grow. Expressing your feelings is cathartic and will help you feel better, alleviate tension and improve your relationships with managers and coworkers. Keep your work relationships simple. Do not interject personal opinions in areas such as politics, race or religion. Such areas and inappropriate jokes can easily lead to conflict.
Get some exercise: Going for a run, bike ride or taking a yoga class is a great way to reduce stress and lift your mood, increase energy and sharpen focus. Try for 30 minutes three or four times a week.
Avoid smoking and drinking: While you may gain temporary relief neither is good for you.
Get your sleep: Lack of sleep compromises your ability to handle stress. During difficult times try to get more sleep. Seven to eight hours is a good rule of thumb.
Stay organized: Organization helps you gain control over your situation. Structure reduces rushing, searching and the overall time you spend trying to get things done. This frees you up for the important tasks of your day. You will also be viewed as more confident which can lead to better workplace relationships.
Prioritize: Do tasks and projects in order of importance. Also, do not procrastinate. Perform your least favorite tasks early so they will not be hanging over your head the rest of the day. That is why dessert is at the end of the meal.
Don’t over-commit: In a world wrought with layoffs and downsizing, it is easy to accept too much responsibility to evidence your value. Don’t try to do too much. It is better to do fewer things well than to do many things inadequately. You don’t want to draw negative attention to yourself.
In the world of stress it is better to have a bucket half empty than half full.
