For all that we strive for work-life balance, stress is a given in today’s world as people contend with the overlapping commitments of job, family and personal life. But there are coping strategies proven to be effective for those who need a bit of help finding their center:
- Do some deep breathing – If you feel overwhelmed, taking a deep breath, holding it for several seconds and exhaling slowly may help you regain a sense of control.
- Seek out silence – We are constantly bombarded with voices, thoughts, sounds and priorities vying for our attention. Taking just a few minutes to sit in a quiet space with your eyes closed before your next meeting or conversation can bring you back with increased focus.
- Make time for exercise – Whether it’s a brisk walk at lunchtime or an hour at the gym, exercise is an effective way to neutralize stress-related cortisol and boost your mood.
- Sing it out – or dance it out. If you can’t exercise, take a few moments at home to blast out a few of your favorite lyrics or dance to your favorite music.
- Connect with your network – Reach out to someone you know who has a good listening ear. Taking a few moments just to vent your frustration may help you reclaim some calm.
- Complete one simple task – At the office, take the time to bring a file up to date or reorganize your desk space. At home, water the plants or fold the clean clothes sitting in the laundry basket. Sometimes, finishing one simple task can energize you to tackle the next.
- Remove some to-do tasks – Some of the things we think we need to do can be delegated, delayed, or eliminated. The world won’t end if you skip that blog post, or stay off social media for a week, and kids can be trained to do the laundry. The simple act of taking a few things off your list can result in a freeing feeling.
- Practice gratitude – On paper or in your head, take a few moments to count the things you are grateful for; the big things like good health or a loving family, and the small things, like the spray of wilting flowers your child brought you from the garden.
