We all feel stressed. Whether it is at home or on the job, stress can do a number on you physically, as well as mentally. According to a CDC report, between a quarter and a third of US workers report high levels of stress while on the job. While the site does list a few general ways to cope, there are other options.
To find out how you can begin to forget your worries, eight members ofForbes Coaches Council share the one practical strategy that the modern professional can easily incorporate into their life to reducestress. Here is what they recommend:
1. Meaningful Breaks
Plan the outline of your day, or better yet, a week ahead, if you can, but make room in the schedule to take a meaningful break. When we can step out of the way of the stressor or stressful situation, even for 15-20 minutes, it helps us to regroup and recharge quickly. - Izabela Lundberg, Legacy Leaders Institute
2. Early Morning Exercise
I'm a strong believer in morning exercise. Studies show terrific benefits from getting some activity early in the morning to improve mood, mental awareness and physical well-being. No need for a gym or high-impact cardio. Get up and take an early-morning walk or join a walking group, even if it's just for 20 minutes. Breathe deeply, take in the nature around you and just be. - Jim Judy, Try Franchising
3. The Sticky Note Exercise
One strategy I encourage all of my clients to use is the sticky note exercise. Every day at the end of the day write down one or two big rocks that you need to move on a sticky note, and then put it on your computer. Then when you come in the next day, do the one or two things on the sticky note before you do anything else. Then if you spend the rest of the day in meetings and email, you will still feel like you've had a productive day. - Bonnie Hagemann, Executive Development Associates
4. Change Of Perspective
Stress is caused when we perceive a situation as stressful, and ultimately we have the choice to change our perception in that moment. When you start to feel your stress levels rising, become entirely aware of what has caused you that stress, take a breath and say to yourself, “I choose to see the situation differently.” And then look for something positive in the situation and write it down. - Noor Hibbert, This Is Your Dream LTD
5. Retreat Days
Stress is always around the leader. Therefore, leaders must be intentional about taking strategic days for recovery, refocus and renewal. A retreat day is a scheduled day to move from working "in" the business to working "on" the business. Effective leaders practice the discipline of taking one day each month to pause and review to ensure that they are headed in the right direction - Ken Gosnell, CXP - CEO Experience
6. Laughing Yoga
Yes, it sounds silly. Yet, as leaders, entrepreneurs and high achievers, we forget what laughter can do to instantly shift your state. You can practice this the next time you feel a negative or stressful moment — go ahead and let out a belly laugh with both hands on your belly for 10 seconds. In those moments you are breathing deeply, and it’s totally OK to not be so serious. - Neeta Bhushan, Global GRIT institute
7. Hiring Smart People
Hire people who know more than you in your areas of weakness. Stick to your strengths and know that having people smarter than you in your business is the key to sleeping calmly at night. - Penny Elliott, pennycomins.com
8. Prioritize Your Next Day
Set your intention before you leave the office for your next day. Make a list. Figure out the most important thing that needs to be accomplished and do not stop until that one thing is completely finished. This does two things: reduces your self-induced overwhelm of not getting important things done, and provides you clarity on what the most important thing is for your next powerful day! - Stephynie Malik, ChiqueSpeak
Publication: Forbes Coaches Council
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