Who isn’t stressed out right now. There is so much going on in our lives. If you are unemployed, there is financial stress, emotional stress, waiting stress (stress caused by waiting for a return call or status of interview). If you are working, there is time management stress, and a myriad of job related stressors.
I was almost hyperventilating yesterday, I couldn’t take a deep breath. There was this overwhelming feeling like I had too much to do and not enough time. But you know what, I cause my own stress. I am notorious for waiting until the last minute to get things done. But instead of obsessing over all the things I needed to do, I wrote them all down on a list and went for a walk. Phew. When I returned, I felt less overwhelmed and had a clearer idea of what I needed to do to get out of the weeds!
Step one is recognizing what is causing this stress. The more specific you can get in identifying the stress, the easier is can be to address it.
3 Ways to Reduce Stress:
Physical:
Introducing physical activities into your daily routine has been proven to reduce stress. Walking, cycling, swimming, yoga or anything that gets you moving and gets your endorphins flowing.
Emotional:
Picking up an instrument, telling jokes (laughing), singing or any activity that would bring you emotional relief.
Intellectual:
Charging up the brain by solving a crossword puzzle or sudoku, a jigsaw puzzle, learning a new language, attending classes or teaching yourself new skill can all chip away at stress too.
Taking time for yourself to re-energize and eliminate stress can be so helpful. As the flight attendants say, “please secure your oxygen mask first so you may better assist those traveling along side you”.
Here are some additional posts to help you look at ways to reduce the stress in you life or at least recognize that you are not alone.
Workplace Stress: Top Tips for Career Survival from Debra Wheatman
Everything You’re Doing That’s Stressing Out Employees from Business Insider
*This post cites a recent study done by the American Psychological Association and the findings indicate that almost half surveyed are stressed by their low salaries.
5 Steps to Creating a Balanced Life from WorkAwesome
What have you been doing to eliminate stress in your life?
(Photo By mia.gant)
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
