Sometimes during the workday we get so heads down and stressed out, that we start to believe what the quote above says. We start to think that everything is an emergency. Can you relate at all?
I never thought about it that way until I read that quote. But it’s so true. If I’m in stress and overwhelm, then everything from paying the bills to returning phone calls becomes an emergency and I can feel the pressure build.
I know that when things get amped up and I’m feeling it, I’m not doing my best work.
In fact Stephen Fabick, EdD (a clinical and consulting psychologist in Birmingham, MI) tells WebMD, “When we’re under a great deal of stress, we’re not in a good position to think most clearly and creatively and come up with our best problem-solving skills.” True that.
You have a choice
The solution is to remember that you have a choice. So use your good judgment to do less, not more.
That’s right. We benefit more in these circumstances by stepping way and reframing, than by continuing to soldier on. Getting even a short mental break revives our energy and perspective.
I’ve been playing around with a few things to break up my days, and I thought I’d share them with you. I don’t have to go far and they’re free.
5 things I’ve found
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- Breathe. For sure, this is a huge invigorator. I’ve known for a while that even taking 3 deep breaths can transform a moment. For a complete breathing session I love this Time article that shares a number of breathing exercises.
- Color. Keep colored pencils or markers in your desk and step away to draw something. Or take photos of interesting stuff. Creating something with art gets us happy and relaxed. I love the “Paper” App on my iPad. I find that just playing with color is a welcome and soothing break.
- Stretch. I always underestimate the value of a good stretch until I stand up and do one. It’s transformative! A set of simple body stretches you can do by your desk will work wonders. I like Stretchclock.com, a free app to install on your pc or mac. You can set the timer to remind you to stop and stretch throughout the day. How can you resist a stretch tutorial by a guy in a suit standing by a lake!
- Write. Or rather…OmmWriter. OmmWriter is a free writing app that covers your desktop with a quiet visual and gives you a serene writing space. Put on headphones and hear spa music, piano music on scratchy vinyl, or – I’m pretty sure – the sound of a dryer tumbling clothes?? My background is a still snowy winter scene. Choose your font style and size, and escape the madness to do some quiet journaling.
- Breathe. For sure, this is a huge invigorator. I’ve known for a while that even taking 3 deep breaths can transform a moment. For a complete breathing session I love this Time article that shares a number of breathing exercises.
- Hydrate. I know, there’s nothing magical about this. But whenever I feel stressed or fuzzy I think about how much water I’ve had to drink that day. And more often than not, I’m deficient. I believe water is the cure for all things that ail me. Getting up, walking around and finding a hydration source during the day might be just the thing you need, too!
What tools do you use to break up the work frenzy? Send a note and let me know. We can come up with a list and share it with everyone.
When you take a break to tame your stress, you’re building a sound Career – and life – strategy.