After returning to work post-holiday, my mind was still churning about the emotional turmoil at home. I realized that the unsettled feeling impacts my mindset at work. It’s not surprising—it’s so tough to separate the two. Just being at work doesn’t mean you’re not thinking about home life and vice versa. Through the years, I’ve found some helpful stress management techniques to get through the day and I’d like to share them with you.
Every morning, before I check email, look at my to-do list, or make breakfast, I spend a few minutes meditating alone. When I’m at home, I like to go by myself to a window overlooking our backyard (where I can see the gardening work Ron and I have done on the weekends), relax, and do some deep breathing exercises. If I’m on the road in a hotel room, my view isn’t always as comforting or serene, but I still make sure to run through my morning routine, no matter where I am. I’ve found that if the first thing you do when you wake up is hit the ground running, you’re far more likely to feel pressured and stressed out. But just a few minutes of quiet reflection can help set the tone for the entire day.
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine visited Care.com and we spent the afternoon in a company-sponsored stress management workshop. Not only was it a great way to step away from our desks, but Janet Doucette (of Mindful Technology) shared tips with everyone on how to manage stress.
Janet also talked quite a bit about the chemical reactions stress causes in your brain—it impairs decision making, speeds heart rate, and actually snowballs into even more stress. However, simple exercises like spending just five to 10 minutes breathing deeply and visualizing “calm, relaxed, and warm” images can not only counteract the effects of stress, but also help make you stress-resistant in the future.
There are times, though, when life just really gets to you. I’ve developed a little “meltdown prevention tactic” for when that happens to me at home or work. I call it the 4-7-8 method. It’s pretty simple—four seconds breathing in, seven seconds holding my breath, and eight seconds breathing out. Repeat four times and it works like a charm!
Being a parent or having caregiving responsibilities for others can be a huge burden at times (even though it’s also a great blessing). Trying to balance work and home life is never easy, but there are ways we can combat stress!
As you go through your day at home or at work, how do you cope with stressful situations?
PS – Just spotted this super-fun post on iVillage: 10 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself. It has some great ideas on how to take mini-vacations when your day gets to be too much.
Sheila,
Having been there as a parent, I understand your anxiety and concern. Our role is to provide the 'roots and wings'. It's just difficult and painful when they start to fly! You're on the right road to dealing with the stress, we can never eliminate it in our lives, but how we handle it can make life easier (at times).
I wish you the best, I'm sure Ryan will be just fine and his parents as well. Hang on a little tighter to one another.
PEACE and Blessings,
Cathy L.
Posted by: Cathy L. | July 14, 2009 at 10:54 AM
STRESS....A few times in my life, I have gone through stressful periods and seemed to ride them out. Not always in the most healthy ways; however, I got through them. Recently, I am feeling like part of the sandwich generation....aging parents/in-laws and the demands of motherhood. For the past seven months,I have "given in" to exercising and WOW! what a stress release! Not only am I getting in shape; but it is the TIME for ME! It feels so good for one hour EVERY DAY to have no contact with anyone except myself! I was never a believer...but now I believe in NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED! You need to do it for yourself and then you are so much more equipped to deal with all the stressors that life brings and they don't seem insurmountable!!!
Posted by: Heather C. | July 14, 2009 at 11:19 AM
I have just in the last six months become a dedicated, passionate advocate for MonaVie... Are you familiar with its tremendous scientifically verified positive affects on emotional wellness as well as its impact on the body's complete cellular rehabilitation due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties (and etc, etc, etc) of this fruit blend?
Posted by: Sharon Simon | July 14, 2009 at 12:24 PM
I wish it were as easy as that! With an infant and a 4 year old my day consists of following them around and cleaning up every mess that they make! Trying to find even 10 minutes of downtime for me is nearly impossible! Working night leaves me tired most of the day and I find myself becoming irritated easily. I just try to force myself to be calm. It's all I can do. Knowing that you can control yourself and your emotions is my only way to cope!
Posted by: Erica H. | July 15, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Well, I think at that age, 17, it's expected...let your kids make mistakes..be nice, but not to nice. let him know it was wrong, but needs to ask, atleast call...i know my rents get worried.
:) hope this helps.
Posted by: Caitlin | July 23, 2009 at 02:34 AM