Back to school season can be super stressful. You are a busy professional. Summer is coming to an end. You feel the pressures, the last quarter goals of 2011 are at the forefront of your mind. The new school year is close, and the nervous tension that comes with these pressures can hit a family and business hard. Not only do you have your usual duties, but kids can also feel the anxieties of starting a new year, which can impact your business and personal life. Stress can build up. So, what to do?
While the causes can be something other than work stress, here are the most common symptoms and early signs of stress:
- Apathy
- Anger/irritability
- Negativism/cynicism
- Low morale
- Boredom
- Anxiety
- Frustration
- Fatigue
- Alienation
- Physical symptoms
- Absenteeism
But how do I beat stress and reduce signs of it, you ask? Here are 4 tips on how to effectively do it:
1. Delete, delegate, deposit
Take 5-10 minutes at the beginning of your day to clear your desk , work-space, or living space. Doing so might help alleviate the sense of losing control that comes from having too much clutter. Keep your goals S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, tangible) helps maintain focus and control in your life.
2. Talk it out
Sometimes the best opportunity to reduce stress is to simply share your thoughts with someone, either someone close to you or a trained therapist to help you work through the changes. Stress counselling can help tremendously.
3. Laugh or allow yourself to smile
Finding humour in life helps us when we start to take things too seriously. Share a joke, or a funny story, or watch stand-up comedies.
4. Change the situation
Remember the 4 A’s:
a) Avoid
b) Alter
c) Adapt
d) Accept.
If you remember the 4 A’s when it comes to stress, it might help you work through it.
Staying positive in this modern life is an important act for us all to practice. Coping with stress isn’t easy, but with a little effort, you will be back on the road to emotional wellness and well-being!
Interested in learning more about coaching or therapy? Contact us today.
References:
Meyer,P. J. (2011). LMI Canada Inc: Personal Leadership, “Living with Purpose”. http://www.lmicanada.ca/EPL.aspx