Handling Stress at WorkEvery work has its challenges and stress is part of those challenges. It may surprise you, but a small amount of stress actually helps us perform better. Why? The body responds to stressful situations by releasing chemicals that prepare us to be alert and focused. On the other hand, large amounts of stress overload us mentally and physically and distract us from dealing with the situation. So how does someone deal with a stressful job and still perform well? Balance is the key. The following tips provide an overall plan for maintaining balance and handling stress.Dr. Judy Metz, a Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles, offers some tips for handling stress on the job. Author: Dr. Judy Metz, PsyD. / For Models Observer. March 2007 | ||
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* Healthy bodies can cope with stress better than unhealthy bodies.
That means that people who stay physically active, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep will handle stress better than those who don't. Why? Physical activity burns up the extra chemicals that are released by the body during stress. Eating a balanced diet means the body is getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to function at its best. And sleep allows the body to repair and rejuvenate for the next day's adventures. |
 Dr. Judy Metz, Psychotherapist. |
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* Focus on the situations where you have control.
Life hands us all kinds of situations - those where we have some control and those where no amount of effort will change them. We need to know the difference and let go of the things we cannot change. That way our minds are free to think about the situations that we can change. * Develop a professional attitude. One thing we can control is our attitude. Learn what the professionals do to be successful. Everybody wants to work with people they can depend on, so, to the best of your ability, be on time and be prepared to work. Be realistic with your goals, even the top professionals will experience frustration and failures. Ask yourself, did you do all that you could in order to do your best? If the answer is “Yes,” don't dwell on the past, move on to the next challenge. If the answer is “No,” think about how you would do things differently so you will be prepared for the next challenge. * Maintain a support system. It is difficult to do a job well when you are feeling isolated. Try to make friendships with people who will understand what you are going through and where you will be able to support and encourage each other. * Carry healthy stress relievers with you. Items like soothing music, exercise bands, a book, a crossword puzzle, or a journal can help your mind relax when there are unforeseen delays. If you only have five minutes to relax, try the following deep breathing exercise: Close your eyes. Breathe deeply through your nose until your lungs and abdomen rise. Slowly release the air through your mouth. Feel yourself breathing in the positive energy that will help you accomplish your goal. Breathe out the negative energy that keeps you from doing your best. Continue until your body begins to relax. * Stress Overload If you are experiencing any of the following, it is time to talk with a professional who can help you deal with your stress. - You find yourself drinking too much, smoking, over- or under-eating, doing drugs, or engaging in any other self-damaging behavior to cope with your stress. - You are anxious all the time, depressed, not sleeping, or irritable and moody. For help with stress overload, you may contact Dr. Judy Metz by email at drjudy@dslextreme.com or go to the following link for more information: http://therapist.psychologytoday.com/45345 | ||