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Harvey Mackay: How to keep your sanity when work gets stressful
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Stress pops up even at the best of times, making them the worst of times.
Some stress is good for you. Deadlines, assignments, goals, teamwork and achievement -- none comes without some stress.
But too much stress can cause problems: anger, irritability, anxiety, depression, muscle pain or tension, headaches, high blood pressure, sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain.
These days, who doesn't need a little stress relief? The Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota offers these 10 stress-busting tips:
• Be completely present for whatever you are doing.
• Include something you consider beautiful in your life on a daily basis. For example, fresh flowers.
• As often as possible, participate in activities you enjoy.
• Keep your pace relaxed -- that includes walking, working and eating.
• Take a break after meals to relax.
• If possible, go outside once a day and enjoy the simple things in life.
• Take notice of the tension in your body. Breathe deeply and gently stretch any area that feels tense.
• When you catch your mind racing and worrying, breathe deeply and gently shift your focus to something in the moment.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing whenever possible.
• Don't hold your feelings in day after day. Find a safe place where you can express and embrace them.
Dealing with your stress is central to your well-being. Don't neglect your symptoms or your health. That only adds to your stress.
How much control do you have in a stressful workplace? Sometimes it's as simple as a change in attitude or getting away from co-workers who complain about everything. Eliminate procrastination. Organize your workspace so that you aren't frustrating yourself looking for items or information that should be at your fingertips. Ask for help when you need it, and offer your help when appropriate. Concentrate on the result instead of the annoying details. Break projects into workable parts that aren't overwhelming. Try to remember why you wanted this job, and if those reasons no longer apply, think about a different work situation.
Some favorite sayings about managing stress:
• Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
• Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
• If you lend someone $100 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
• Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
• A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery along a detour.
Mackay's Moral: Stress often gives a little thing a big shadow.
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