Many business professionals are forced to “multi-task”. There is always something more to do, and multi-tasking gets it done, but not without additional stress. Nonetheless despite your personal stress level, you must interact effectively with your coworkers, clients, administrators, and other company personnel. After multi-tasking all day it is not easy to leave the stress at the door of the office when you leave for the day. There is always something that did not go well, something that needs to get done, or just someone on your mind that you did not get to service. Unfortunately, these thoughts depart with you when you leave for the day. Are you one of those who take all this home with you? And, or do you feel the stress of unfinished business when you arrive the next morning? If so, let me share with you three (3) simple tools that can help desensitize and relieve work stress.

1. Take A Moment To Breath

Yes, it sounds simple but are you really taking moments to just breath? One good way to desensitize stress that seems to work is allowing time to sit and think before work and after work. For example, if work starts at 7:30am you could get to work at 7:15am. This give you time to sit in your car, soak in your atmosphere, and appreciate the day. Whether it is listening to music, saying a prayer, playing games on your phone, or watch silly videos on YouTube. It keeps the mind at ease and you can walk in the door with less tension in the body. The same goes for after work. Instead of just peeling out the parking lot, take time to de-stress the day in ways such as your favorite radio station playing, a prayer, or just a simple deep breath.

 

2. Vacate And Vacation

Vacations are always great choices when wanting to desensitize stress. Make sure that your vacation spot is comfortable for you and makes you feel less stressed. The vacation spot should bring relaxation, whether this means skiing on the slopes, sleeping by the beach, on gambling in Las Vegas. Vacations do cost money, but a vacation can also consist of a simple day trip away in a new city that you have never been. If you work in a city environment, then it would be nice to try the country life. Also, maybe you are from a small town and want a taste of bright lights in the city for a while. Whatever it may be, make it your own vacation. Vacations are all about taking time to relax, have fun, and to regroup.

 

3. Talk To Someone

Talk, talk, talk and more talk. Talking helps to desensitize stress. As much as people may think that it does not help, it really does relieve stress. Let your voice be heard. Being able to talk to someone who will have no judgement on the situation or who can understand the situation will allow you to get what is needed off your mind and chest. Talking to someone such as a close friend or a counselor. Talking it out gives you a chance to laugh it off, cry it out, or mash the madness. Talking about the problem with someone will help you with less stress, more confident, and greater control of your life.

By Susan Miles, MFT-I