By Brad Larsen
Article from Standard-Examiner
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 10:49pm
Just how happy are you at your workplace? For workers everywhere, the troubled economy feels like an emotional roller coaster and the result is increased fear, uncertainty and higher levels of stress. You can't help but bring that stress home at the end of the day. This can put immense pressure on relationships with family and friends. So, it's important to learn ways of coping with the stress and enjoying more of what you do at work.
Be aware of warning signs of excessive stress. When you feel overwhelmed at work, you lose confidence and become fatigued, irritable, anxious or withdrawn. This can make you less productive, less effective and make work seem less rewarding. Managing stress can mean the difference between success or failure on the job. Chronic or intense stress can also lead to physical and emotional health problems.
Your emotions are contagious. The better you manage your own stress, the more you'll positively affect those around you and the less other people's stress will negatively affect you. Stress management doesn't have to be about making huge changes or rethinking career ambitions. Even small things can lift your mood and make you feel like you're back in the driver's seat. Most importantly, managing stress requires focus on the one thing that's always within your control: you.
Here are four simple tips to help you enjoy your current job:
* Choose to be happy at work. Face the day with a smile. Laugh more, chill out and stop complaining. A positive attitude will make the day more pleasant and productive. Dwell on positive aspects of your job. Do something you love at work every day. Avoid negative people and gossip. Spend time with co-workers you enjoy. Make new friends and make their day. Pat yourself on the back often. Most of all -- make it fun!
* Take care of yourself. When stress interferes with job performance, your personal life and your health, it is time to take action. When your own physical and emotional needs are taken care of, you're stronger and more resilient to stress. Make positive lifestyle choices such as more exercise, eating better, learning to relax and getting enough sleep. Change your routine. Take a vacation. These choices will lift your mood, increase energy, sharpen focus and recharge your mind and body.
* Prioritize and organize. Create a daily schedule balanced between work, family, social and downtime. Always remember the "3D" rule --- do it, dump it, or delegate it. Never handle a piece of paper twice. Distinguish between the "shoulds" and the "musts." Tackle unpleasant tasks first. Be willing to compromise. De-clutter and clean house. Break projects into small tasks. Review your day's progress before you leave for home.
* Break bad habits. Many of us make job stress worse with self-defeating behavior. Don't start the day by arriving late. Resist perfectionism and aim for just doing your best. Focus on the things you can control, like the way you react to people and problems. Don't overcommit yourself. Don't work through your breaks or take your work home. Give up thinking that your work life "should" be a certain way. And don't have your identity too strongly tied to the job you do.
See your work as a game. Life is meant to be fun, and if you are going to spend a third of it at work, you might as well enjoy the game.
Brad Larsen is a life coach and corporate consultant in Northern Utah. He can be reached at 801-782-2285 or blarsenart@q.com.
Article from Standard-Examiner