As I have said many times over the key to facing everyday life is to have a balanced life. You have mentioned some of the balancing techniques. Each of us will deal better with our challenges if we can balance with mental activity, exercise and spiritual well being. You are definitely on the balance path.
I handle workplace stress doing the following things.
If its work I put my head down and knock it all out then joke after. If it is a challenging character I take martial arts and spare with a one of my fellow dojo brothers. And any overwelming situation I say the serenity prayer and put it on god he always supplies the answers.
Taking some steps back sometimes works very well. This can be done with all kinds of methods but you have found one that works for you. Exercise, reading, etc. are just a few of many ways to beat the stress.
When I get extremely stressed at work, I will go in the bathroom and take a few minutes to breathe. I will also put a paper towel with cool water on it on the back of my neck to help relax me some. Just as long as I can be alone for a few minutes to recover.
Do the best you can and you will always know you did your best. No can ask for anymore. Performance is for winning sometimes and sometimes losing. What ever happens you will learn from the experience.
I realize some things you have no control over so why worry about them...does it really matter 50 years from now?????
Everyone is replaceable so do the best you can and accept the results!
It sounds like you have a great opportunity with great employees with a good humor and the cnance to exercise in an excellent facility across the street. The Balance in life for all of us is exercise, mental academic stimulation and spritual experience. This can keep us in tune.
Listening is the major part of communication. Some experts have reported 87% of excellent communication is listening. We all know what it is like to have someone do a lot of talking but never listens. We don't want to repeat this character.
This post reminds me of advice from my grandmother. She used to tell us that we have "two ears and one mouth. So you should listen twice as much as you talk." Many times, I've had to remind myself of that advice when trying to help a friend or colleague copy with problems.
As a group, our staff responds well to humor. Often, cartoons are taped to the refrigerator in the lounge. A laugh is good medicine, but shared laughter is even better.
Stories shared about each others' families also helps. They remind us to regain perspective on issues that we are facing.
Having a YMCA across the street has gotten many staff members involved in exercise. We can use each other as part of the buddy system of encouragement.
You have hit two of the best communicating tips for all of us. Have a good sense of humor and listening skills. It has been said 87% of of communication is listening. Keep the humor coming and always respect your people by listneing.
Maintain a sense of humor, be a good listener, share personal experiences and successes.
Sometimes when we can give our minds a break through some distractions with exercise or social activity often reduces the stress. It is always good to step back and then return with a fresh look. Having a friend or spouse who is a good listner or advisor will keep you on the right path.
I think it's beneficial to combine some of the ideas offered. For example, exercising with a friend can be more fun and reduce stress better because you're combining social interaction with physical activity. Taking a walk with a friend or spouse can allow time for venting, too, which can be a great stress relief and allow you to feel refreshed at the end of a hard day.
I have found that maintaining a healthy sense of humor helps to relieve job workplace stress for both myself and others. While keeping a professional attitude is important, having a good laugh session eases tension and reminds all of us that "it's not that bad". When negativity starts to pile up, making light of the situation seems to reduce the pressure that we all put upon ourselves.
Exercise can be of great help to all of us for cleansing the mind. We often make better decisions when our body is prepared for the task.
Mentorship is an excellent way to improve your staff and gain trust in the mission of the company. You can often use your experience and education to help others.
Most of the time I was involved in a project with a team so, we would take and usually try to use a form of steap method or to bust it up into more bite sized pieces for every one. Especally if some of the team members are more effecent in one area or another. Also reassuring one anothers performace and giving friendly advice.
get out and take a long walk around the block
Difficult people are often a challenge. I was a teacher and later Director of Special Education. We often had to deal with inappropriate behavior. My advice to you is to always remain calm. Never raise your emotions to the level of the individual. Many times we need to ignore the character flaws but to reward good behavior. Any behavior that is inappropriate or degrading should have a zero tolerance acceptance.
Lay the ground rules and stay consistent with these values.
