On breaks, I suggest a quick walk outside does wonders for alleviating stess.
Jonathan,
When we need to step back and lead ourselves into clearer thinking your method is great. Hasty decisions often come back to haunt us. Thoughtful decisions are better in the long run.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I prefer the "stop, breath, reflect, and choose" method. I also like to use this with my students when they come across with a sense of urgency. When they are less stressed, I am less stressed.
Rick,
Yes, you are right on with your technique. Another important practice is physical exercise.
Dr. Gary Carlson
"Mini" time- Set aside a time when you become aware that a workload seems overwhelming. Stop, breathe, evaluate, then adapt, improvise, and overcome. A steady sleep pattern is also beneficial in that a mind that is well rested is relaxed which promotes more logical thought processes.
julie,
Great idea, to let them move and get some fresh air. This is often a great move for school or work.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Thanks for the knowledge! My students like to take outdoor breaks to relieve the stress in between the lab time and class time.
LE,
Placing yourself into another person"s shoes is a good technique. When you can feel their feelings you can then coach and adapt better for your colleagues stress. Never shy away from the opportunity to serve and help others.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I find that humor helps a lot! For me, I just tell myself that I am a cause of someone else's stress. That usually gets me thinking differently about the situation. Stress is an individual and internal reaction. Some people would find a way to be stressed about any activity. So, I try to find alternative views. My son gets stressed about playing golf, my wife stresses about cooking a meal, I worry and stress about small things at work. Finding an alternative view helps. The recommendation in the course materials of taking direct action is a very good one.
JODY,
Good ideas, when you can keep your emotions at a tolerable level it also controls others emotions. You emotions raise so does everyone around you does the same
Dr. Gary Carlson
well i try and remember that my students are under stress too. i dont try not to take things personally, be empathetic, take a few deep breaths,talk to a co-worker and remember this is a temporary situation and by tommorrow i probably wont be worried about this any longer.
Jonathan,
I found your answer most interesting. I have researched your references and have seen you are aware of some great techniques. The Yoga techniques have grown to great favor in the United States. We are talking about how to improve your respiratory system and immune system. Your devotion and dedication to the stress relief challenge is commendable. Great work!
Dr. Gary Carlson
MT136 form question
Question: What are some ways that you have personally handled workplace stress or helped others to do so?
Answer: There are a number of techniques which I have used personally to become calm and centered during stressful moments at work. Some of these techniques include, but are not limited to,
-Simple Yoga Stretches
-Pranayama or Yoga Breathing
-A few minutes in Meditation
-Emotional Freedom Technique (EF T)
-Hara breathing (a.k.a. Chi breathing, Qi breathing, etc.)
-Simply talking out the issue with a trusted colleague, friend or my wife.
Please note that the breathing techniques and meditation can be particularly effective at inducing the Relaxation Response, discovered and described by Herbert Benson, M.D.
I have endeavored to teach my students some of the basics of pranayama and or Hara breathing, as well as Dr. Herbert Benson’s Relaxation Response, and found that the biggest obstacle to overcome in this process is their tendency to be self-conscious in front of their fellow students.
Unless students feel sufficiently safe, and not judged by others, they will not be able to easily benefit from these stress reduction approaches.
That being said, I’m looking forward to introducing my students to an effective, new breathing technique that produces rapid relaxation as well as neurological integration.
Furthermore, it is relatively unobtrusive, and can be validated in real time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jonathan French
Nicole,
How we approach our day is important and makes the day go much better. You have conquered this aspect. You now need to keep in mind the impotence of keeping a balanced life with exercise, health, mental activity and spiritual rejuvenation.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I definitely have been in stressful workplaces that reduced my productivity. I changed my out look on my work environment by making sure I start the day with a healthy attitude and during the day reminding myself of this by breathing and decreasing my worry. I have also went to my manager not to vent but to rather discuss my concerns. This way it off my chest and the manger knows and we can work out the issue in the workplace.
Erica,
Simply said is for us to understand, " People don't care what you know until they know that you care"
Dr. Gary Carlson
For me, everyone needs to be managed differently - praised differently, reprimanded differently. When I feel things are getting overwhelming I plan my day to handle 2 employees in a day to focus on them and be their soundboard for their concerns and questions. Once I've done that with everyone, everyone knows that their input is valued. Then I plan a team meeting that focuses on the things we have to look forward to as a company or we will all have a lunch together and mingle with each other.
Matthew,
Good for you! Everyone needs to practice a balanced life. Your exercise is part of a great plan exercise, good health habits, relaxation, recreation, meditation and spiritual rejuvenation is the key to combating stress.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I have handled workplace stress by taking time during the day to go and workout for about 30-45 minutes. It has helped me to maintain my health, breaks up the day and generally helps to reinvigorate me and finish the day strong and stress free.
Thomas,
You have adopted some excellent techniques. Your ability to get a vision and view of what needs to be done in a priority basis is important. By stepping back and writing things down gives you a persoanl and professional outlook on the accountability that belongs to you.
Dr. Gary Carlson
