April is Stress Awareness Month. Stress is something that everyone deals with and not many people know how to manage. Chronic and sudden stress can change productivity in your daily functions such as decision making, work performance, and overall self-confidence and motivation.
Here are some suggestions for centering yourself and helping manage stress:
- Try deep breaths such as breathing in, count to four and then exhale. Try it three to four times.
- Listening to music or mediation is a great way to manage stress and create positive energy. There are also apps that you can download to help you meditate.
- Put yourself first! If you have a lot going on, try moving your schedule around to create more open time for yourself. Make a commitment to give yourself some free time throughout the day.
- Get away from technology. Try taking a break from your computer and other technology around the office/home. Give up technology 30 minutes before bed to increase a deeper sleep.
- Get outside. Spend some time outside throughout your day at work. Spring finally seems to be here, so start walking outside on your lunch break. Take advantage of our beautiful campus!
- Energy: If you become tense, irritated, or annoyed, realize what’s happening and act on your energy. Create some space between you and that person and reflect on how you feel. Don’t ignore your feelings.
- Take time for yourself with a massage. There are some resources available at Olin Health Center for stress as well. They offer services with State of Relaxation such as massage, reiki, and reflexology.
With these seven tips, you can manage your stress better. Try at least one of these tips and see how you feel. Learn what works for you and be open to trying new methods for figuring it out. For more information on managing stress check out these two articles from Health4U, Got Big Stress and Taking Care of You While Taking Care of Business.
Additionally, sign-up to the Sustainable High Performance course through Organization and Professional Development on June 21/22.
Laughman, L. (2017, February 13). Taking Care of You, While Taking Care of Business. Retrieved from http://health4u.msu.edu/articles/2017-taking-care-of-you-while-taking-care-of-business
Laughman, L. (2017, February 13). Taking Care of You, While Taking Care of Business. Retrieved from http://health4u.msu.edu/articles/2017-taking-care-of-you-while-taking-care-of-business