Facts About Stress:
- Job stress and related problems cost American companies an estimated $300 billion or more annually through absenteeism, turnover, accidents, etc.
- The World Health Organization calls job stress a “worldwide epidemic”.
- One in 6 Americans take and antidepressant drug daily.
- After the death of a spouse, the average lifespan of the surviving spouse is one year.
- Stress destroys the immune system and ruins health to destroy lives.
Stress Management Techniques
1. In with the Good Air, Out with the Bad
Take a breathing break. Frequent short breaks during the day allow you to breathe deeply and relax your mind, preventing stress build-up.
2. Know the Enemy
What, exactly, is stressing you out? Is it your job? Your home life? Your relationships? Without knowing the root of the problem, you are unlikely to resolve it
3. Move It or Lose It
Begin an exercise program. Exercise helps release endorphins, which relieves stress.
4. Let Go
Recognize the difference between the things you can control and the things you cannot. Make a list of these two categories. Starting today, make a pact with yourself to stop stressing about the things in your job you have no control over.
5. Beware of the To Do List
Take note of all the good work you do and give yourself credit for it. Set short-term goals and allow yourself to take satisfaction in achieving them.
6. Develop a Tough Skin
Try not to personalize any criticism you receive. Look at negative comments as constructive criticism. “Who cares what other people think?”
7. Share the Load
Delegate or share work whenever possible. Make a STOP doing list-don’t fall into the trap of thinking you are the only person who can do the job right. Delegate, hire or just simply STOP doing what you don’t like!
8. Don’t Make Work a Four Letter Word.
No-one ever said on their deathbed ” I wish I had worked more…” Strive for harmony in your life. Make time for family, friends, hobbies and, most importantly, fun.
9. Get Adjusted.
Your nervous system is the connection between the outside stress and the inside adaptation to it! we can’t remove stress, but we can widen our G.A.P.- General Adaptive Potential! Getting adjusted regularly does just that!