Let’s face it – stress is something most of us have to deal with. We’ve all heard that taking a moment to breathe and getting enough sleep can help us mellow out. But we can go deeper than that. Here are a few tips on how to structure your lifestyle in a way that helps you lessen the stress load.
Tune in. One of the major causes of stress is a feeling of overwhelm. It’s understandable that, if you have a lot going on at work, it will always be in the back of your mind. But if your brain never leaves the office, you’ll never have an opportunity to unwind and refresh. When you’re away from work – whether you’re cooking a delicious meal, spending time with your family, or even just watching your favorite TV show – allow yourself to really enjoy it. Turn your full attention to what you’re doing and be present for your experiences. That way, when you go back to work the next morning, you’ll feel renewed. On the other hand, when you’re at work, engage with what you’re doing so at the end of the day, you feel a sense of accomplishment.
Know your work style. We all work best under different conditions. Some people enjoy having music in the background while others prefer silence. Some of us like bustling offices while others work better in quiet spaces. Don’t stress yourself out trying to conform to working conditions that aren’t right for you. Of course, every workplace has a culture and you don’t want to disregard that. But it’s ok if your work habits aren’t the same as those of your co-workers. Within those boundaries, do what you can to create a space that suits your work style.
Remember your individuality. By the end of the work day, you’re often exhausted and all you want to do is kick off your shoes and collapse on the sofa. But that can lead to the feeling that your job is your life. Losing touch with people and activities you care about can make you feel disconnected from yourself, which creates more stress. It can be challenging to try to pack even more into a busy schedule, but it’s important to take time whenever possible – hopefully on a regular basis – for yourself.
