How do you deal with stress? Yes, it is something that should be dealt with, something you should be actively managing...
Stress often shows up as an uninvited visitor that we just can't seem to get rid of. And before you know it, this unwanted visitor has pitched a tent and moved in, bringing along a whole lot of baggage- anxiety, irritability and depression to name a few.
So how do we kick stress to the curb? I've compiled a few easy steps to help you manage your stress:
1.
Practice Self-Care
You've probably heard the term self-care a million times before and read quite a few blogs telling you to practice self-care, but the reason you keep hearing about it is because it is so
incredibly important!
Put yourself first, you're allowed to! We highly recommend you put on a facemask, blare some tunes and dance it out... That is definitely a personal favourite, haha.
Self-care can also take the form of going for a walk, meeting a friend for coffee and a chat or snuggling up with a good book and a glass of wine. Find what works for you!
2.
Be kind to yourself
This might sound strange, but stay with me. Think about how many times you've been hard on yourself for making a mistake at work? How often do you think negative thoughts about your looks or accomplishments, and how often do you compare yourself with your friends or colleagues?
Sometimes we're our own worst enemy, when in fact you should be your
biggest cheerleader!
So be kind to yourself, think positive thoughts and remember
you are human- and wonderfully so!
3.
Get Organized
Stress can have a snowball effect. Work keeps piling up, pressure keeps building and soon you feel so overwhelmed that you almost feel like you're drowning and don't know which way is up.
So get organized, prioritize your tasks and plan your day!
Sometimes a bunch of small things can look like a big Tsunami that's going to come crashing down and swallow you whole. Take it one step at a time- one task/job at a time.
Simplify your work-life by focussing on
one thing at a time, and then move on to the next.
It's much easier to breathe this way. Which brings us to the next step...
4.
Breathing Exercises
A quick challenge: hold your breath for the next 30 seconds...
Do you feel the
pressure that builds in your chest? Can you feel how your body urges you to take a breath, those
panic signals that go off in your body?
Well that's exactly why working on your breathing is such an effective stress reliever!
The next time you're feeling
anxious or overwhelmed, simply do the following:
- Take a slow and deep breath in through your nose for 5 counts
- Hold it for 5 counts
- Breathe out through your mouth, exhaling for 5 counts
You can repeat this exercise a few times, even working your way up to 7 seconds each.
In conclusion I'd like you to read, and remember, the following quote... Write it down if you must!
"I will breathe. I will think of solutions. I will not let my worry control me. I will not let my stress level break me. I will simply breathe, and it will be okay. Because I don't quit." ~ Shayne McClendon
Remember you might not be able to control everything in life, but you can control your thoughts and how you react to things.
Don't let stress take control of your life- kick it to the curb!
If you'd like to learn more about managing your stress then
Staff Training has the workshop for you!
Our
Stress and Time Management workshop gives individuals the tools they need to manage their time effectively and overcome the stress-induced obstacles they face. You can join us for a full-day workshop or half-day coaching session... We even have an
online course available!
Email us at
info@StaffTraining.co.za for more info or give us a call at 0861 996 660
