Stress has a negative connotation; it causes tension, miscommunication, and less clear thinking. Not exactly pleasant, yet it's part of life. Stress can also give you that push to do something you find quite exciting. But how do you maintain the balance between healthy stress and when does it tip over to the negative, unproductive side?
Do you feel your blood pressure rising, your breathing quickening? Do you start the work week, discussion, or meeting with a restless feeling, are you rereading that email for the third time, or are you wondering if you can even bring up that one topic? Chances are you are less effective and experiencing stress. How can you invite yourself back into clear thinking?
5 tips for you:
- Make a list of tasks, set priorities, and be realistic. Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed.
- Often, 80% of the time is spent improving the last 20%. Ask yourself when 'good enough' is, and discuss this with a colleague or your manager if necessary. Not everything has to be perfect.
- Try parking your car a bit further from work and walk the last 10 minutes. Movement and fresh air are a relief to get yourself back in balance.
- Take a walk during your lunch break. You'll be amazed at the brilliant ideas that come to you while you're walking.
- At the end of the day, take 5 minutes to reward yourself for everything you did accomplish today and where you made a valuable contribution.
See what you can do with this today and experience the effect. Curious what else you can do? Strengthen your skills.
