There are many factors and demands that cause stress in our lives: things such as demanding careers, relationship conflicts, financial worries, health concerns, parenting challenges, legal issues, fear of the unknown and so many others.
When the levels of stress got so bad, we would declare that it was quiet time. For fifteen or twenty minutes, Barney was switched off, we moved to our inside voices, and we played quietly with books and toys. There was a brief respite from the noise and confusion, and for a moment everything was good, peaceful. It made a difference in our day. We even looked forward to the next quiet time.
Consider incorporating quiet time into your stressful day at the office. Life there doesn’t have to be chaotic and bustling with activity. You can take control of your day sby declaring quiet time at work. Here are some suggestions that are actually practiced by people who know stress all too well:
Turn off all electronic goods for 15-20 minutes- You will not miss your emails, people will call back, and you will feel better having the break from electronic pressures.
Get out of the office for 15-20 minutes; take a brisk walk without a cell phone or iPod- A little exercise is always good for you. The mental benefits will far outweigh the physical.
Sit comfortably, close your eyes and breathe deeply for 15 minutes- Deep breathing helps relieve all kinds of stress, reduces blood pressure, and is great for relaxation. A relaxed body can calm a racing mind.
Carry a book that has nothing to do with job or career with you to work. Take quiet time and enjoy some fiction (or cartoons)- Japanese businessmen are notorious for carrying around manga (cartoon books). One of the reasons that the Japanese work day is so long is that they spend time managing the stress of the day.
Take your lunch to a park or a quiet place away from colleagues and co-workers--enjoy the quiet- Eat lunch with your colleagues, and work never ends. If you are in need of a break, spend lunchtime alone. You will be more ready to tackle the afternoon, your head will be clearer, and you might just eat healthier.
For those stress items that we cannot remove from our lives and for the unexpected stress that creeps into our lives, try these tips:
• When you feel tense or stress, stop what you are doing, close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Inhale slowly counting to 10 and exhale slowly counting to 10. Try to do this at least three times. You may need to do this several times a day.
• Start an exercise program. You may be amazed how much stress is relieved when you exercise. The endorphins that are released can reduce your stress, improve your mood and give you an energy boost.
• Play relaxing music or soothing sounds that calm and relax you.
• Plan a day off or at least plan some time just for yourself and do whatever is relaxing to you: sleep in, lay in a hammock, have coffee with a friend, take a bubble bath, have a glass of champagne, go for a hike, get a manicure or read a book.
• Simplify your life. Are there unnecessary things in your life that you could remove? Are you over-extended or over-committed? Are their things in your life that you can outsource to simplify your life? Are your children in more than one extra-curricular activity? Is that adding more stress than is worth it?
• Find more joy. Are their things that can truly add joy to your life? What are they? Are you focusing too much on work or negative things in your life? Are you taking time to stop and enjoy your life, your family, and your children?
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