If you are like me, you are often searching for ways to have more energy. Stress drains us of our energy, weakens our focus, our immune system, and our brilliance. Research says prevention is still the number one way to reduce stress. Stop the stress from happening in the first place!
Stop Doing One More Thing – A popular stress reduction tip is giving yourself enough time. We already know we should be early, not just on time. But what do you do? You are on your way somewhere and decide to do just one more thing. You are leaving for work, a meeting, appointment, or even going home and decide to squeeze just one more email, phone call, or small task. You tell yourself this will just take a quick minute. No matter how little time that one more thing takes we end up rushing. Our heart beats faster, our breathing gets shallower and voila, our body is now in stress mode. The next time you are tempted to do one more thing before you go, stop yourself. After you arrive where you need to be, devote the extra time and energy to something that will make you shine. Ground yourself with affirmations, plan what you’ll say or do, say a prayer or count your blessings. Give up that one more thing to give back to yourself.
Stop Saying One More Thing – The conversation is almost over and you say one more thing. The long-winded coworker hears your last sentence as an invite to keep going instead of as a conversation close. One more quick question launches into a much longer discussion as the clock ticks and your other priorities are not completed. You finish the break room banter with one last funny phrase and now the exchange lasts several more minutes. Connect with your colleagues, build relationships, and make your point heard. However be aware of the impact of saying one more thing. Is your message well-timed and well-received? Or does your one last comment or concern expand the scope and length of a meeting or detour the topic? Be conscious of the impact of saying one more thing on your energy, productivity, and reputation.
Stop Small Annoyances – All the little frustrations add up: the cellphone that doesn’t hold a charge, the computer glitch that is bugging you, the awkward conversation you’ve been avoiding at home or at work. The small things wear on you and build stress. They contribute to your breaking point or even become the straw that breaks the camel’s back on a particularly tough day. Like an annoying mosquito buzzing around your head as you try to sleep, all the little frustrations you deal with regularly drain you of the energy you need to tackle the big stresses in life. Take action and remove these energy zappers by tackling one thing that’s bugging you at a time.
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