My way of dealing with Stress.......
Stress can affect my day at work. I try to take at least 3- 5 min. breaks a day in-between my usual lunch/dinner breaks. I use this time to think about other things such as music, arts and some quick reading. Works for me.
Karen,
stepping back is always a way to refresh and look at challenges with a new view. It either keeps you from making a mistake or helps you reaffirm your position.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I agree taking a 3-5 minute break away from the task at hand is a good way to re-group
I like to take a walk around the building especially when I start feeling tension
John,
It is true the pet at home doesn't care what you have done and will always welcome you with open feet.
Dr. Gary Carlson
My favorite stress tool is coming home to a waging tail.My dogs happiness to see me tends to make trouble at work seem less stressful.
For me exercise is the best form of release, I am a high stress person and going to the gym three times per week has really helped. Also having a hobby that I really enjoy and that challenges me helps to keep the stree levels down at work...
Donnie
Israel,
Escaping to a better place to gather your thoughts is a good practice. Sometimes we need to get away from the desk.
Dr. Gary Carlson
We have a fairly large school campus. So on my breaks in between classes I often take my class prep paperwork to one of the outdoor tables instead of locking myself up in my office.
Theresa,
I believe there is a time and place for everything. As a leader structuring time a place with those who need to know.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I personally feel venting at work only creates more anxiety and hostility in the workplace. When you work in an environment where people are constantly venting and it consumes a chunk of your day, it is very hard to follow the steps outlines here- paying full attention and listening intently- because sometimes once the floodgates open it is difficult to close them and get on task again.
I just finished a seminar today and the technique you use was being used by several of the participants. It was refreshing to hear why they use this method to clear their minds from the current stress of the day.
While at work I release stress by walking. We have a fairly large school, so walking the hallways and lab areas is a good form of stress relief and I get some exercise too. Also, it allows me to talk to students and spend some one on one time with them. I love talking to the students, so this is a good form of release for me. At home, I spend time with family, but on occasion I have what I call my "stupid time". This consists of either watching something silly on T.V. (something that does not require a lot of thinking to keep up with) or playing a video game. If I have enough time though, I still like to sit with a good book and read.
Your actions allows you the respit period to deal with issues. It is always good to step back and give youself a proper prospective.
I feel the same as you except I sit in the hot tub with a glass of wine. I will take the dog for a walk in the evenings. And sometines get a good movie, usually a comedy.
It is always good to step back from the situation and regroup. Many people can do this in many different ways 10 deep breaths could be the title to just stepping back or moving in a different direction for a while.
Those types of short breaks can help you "recharge" and continue with your day. Sometimes that physical or mental distance can make a dramatic difference.
I like that we have some time between classes. Get a "breather" between groups of students. Also gives us time to mentally change "channels" from one class to the next.
I will definitely take breaks, but what I find helps more than anything else, is to do the 'venting' thing. Just talking to a co-worker regarding an issue, helps me to put it all into perspective.
I have observed employees doing this very exercise in our lunch room. It is good to step back and relieve yourself from the pressures for a while. If this activity helps you to return with more energy and a positive outlook on your job it is a gre activity.
I love to read for breaks, like my own little soap opera. It's something to look forward to which I think is always important, having something to look forward to helps us get through the stress because there is a period of relaxation with things that you enjoy.
We all have our outlets to refresh our energy and organize our thoughts. It is always great to understand you moments of need for this type of activity when addressing some very difficult decions. You can add on to these types of outlets by experimenting with other activities that may help.
