It’s that time of the year when handling holiday expectations, family demands, and personal needs create stress. In addition, when business projects, profitability, and people need your attention, stress increases even more.
While stress is normal and part of being alive, holding onto how situations and people “should” behave and talk will increase your stress to an unhealthy level, especially during this time of the year.
The key is to be aware of your stress before it becomes unmanageable. Otherwise, your stress will limit your effectiveness and results as a boss, leader, and team player…and, your personal life will suffer too.
6 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress
- Breathe. Yes, breathe in for a count of 6, pause, then, exhale for a count of 12. Do this at least 3 times.
- Get the facts. Instead of worrying and becoming stressed, get the facts. Many times we allow a small problem or perceived failure to mentally and emotionally fester into a much larger issue. Stop it! Clarify the real problem you are experiencing. Or, identify the perceived failure causing your stress. Remember, small problems can be easily fixed! Talk out the facts with one or two trusted advisors and your executive coach. What did you learn? How can you reduce your stress when the same or similar situation happens in the future?
- Have the tough conversations you’ve been avoiding. Many times you will allow someone’s choice of words, hand gestures, or facial expressions to mean too much! The truth is, you are not a mind reader! Don’t gossip about what someone has said or done to cause you stress. Instead, ask the person for clarification in the moment. This builds relationships if handled in a non-defensive manner.
- Keep a private journal. Many people keep a journal about what isn’t working, past failures, and upsets. Instead, use journaling as a way to create a more positive future. Write down “brags” about what has been working. Include “I am grateful for …” Write about your future and goals. Write down anything that helps you remember why your dreams and desires inspire you. Remember to include the results you want to have at work (e.g., become a better boss).
- Focus on something different. If you are experiencing stress with a project, task, or relationship, focus on something else. Walk away. Then, after 20 minutes, you will probably have a different perspective and a new solution.
- Be present with people. Many times stress occurs when we don’t feel heard and valued. Learn to be fully present (mindful) in every conversation. Be open to other’s POVs and ideas! I promise, you will learn something new and life will seem less stressful.
©Jeannette Seibly, 2019
Jeannette Seibly is an award-winning champion for people and results. For the past 27 years, she has guided bosses and teams to excel. Want to reduce your stress? Enjoy your business and job again? Find a more challenging career? Contact Jeannette today for straight talk with dynamic results.