"People are not disturbed by things, but by their perception of things …" —Epictetus.
When you take pride in your career, it's difficult not to feel the pressures that come with office politics. Most employees who feel overwhelmed by situations in the office bring those emotions into their home lives, and over time reach a "melt down" point where they need a day (or several) to rejuvenate. One of the most common reasons for taking a sick/personal day is to recharge.
An estimated one million workers are absent every day due to stress. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work reported that over half of the working days lost annually in the U.S. from absenteeism are stress related, and that one in five of last minute no-shows are due to job stress. This is estimated to cost American companies $602 per worker per year.
One of the key sources of work-related stress is job insecurity. With the economy in the fragile state that it is, it's understandable to feel nervous jitters about where you'll be in the next few months—where you'll be in the next few weeks. Many Americans are feeling insecure about their jobs, and it's hard to stay focused on your daily tasks when you're occupied with the casual flow of what-ifs. For the teacher in your school, loss of focus damages the student—your most important product.
It's a fresh start to a new year—turn off the negative thoughts! Stay positive! As long as you're doing a great job at what you do, keeping your skills sharp, and staying open-minded to new techniques there is nothing else you can do. Extending beyond the business office, this is something for all staff and faculty to stay in tune with.
5 New Years Stress Reducing Resolutions:
- Slow down. This year, instead of rushing through projects and tasks, try to take things slower. Enjoy your meals, the people you're with, and your environment.
- Unschedule. Make a promise to yourself to block off time for yourself this year. Take an hour a day, or every other day, that's just for you. Dig into that article you've been meaning to read, or sip a cup of tea as you watch a Webinar. What's important is that you make time for the most important person in your life—you.
- Simplify your to-do list. The longer the list of must-dos, the more pressure you'll feel. It's rewarding when you've crossed off each item, but the process of getting there can be unnecessarily panic filled. Try making smaller lists this year—enjoy the relief of many completions instead of the drab of a never-ending list.
- Identify the areas in your routine that cause the most stress. One of the best things you can do for yourself this year is to create a list of the elements in your life that build the most tension. With a tangible list of the people, places, and things that are unhealthy for your mental stability, you can take more aggressive actions avoiding them.
- Design a Zen-like environment. All those papers, files, and personal items lying around your desk—clean them up. Start this year in a peaceful working and living environment. The less clutter and distractions surrounding you, your mind perceives it as more freedom.
