Below is a list of things you can do when the circumstances in the world, at work or in your life get to be a bit too much. Pick 3 that you like and try them at least once a day for a week. If they help, continue practicing. If they don’t help, try some new ones.
- Do something to help someone else. This helps us take the focus off ourselves and our problems and gives us a great dose of “feel good”.
- Watch what you eat/drink. Eat foods that help you feel good about yourself.
- Spend time with people who lift you up. Choose people who are supportive and have the mindset you want to have for yourself.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff.
- Breathe – take a few moments of quiet. Do this especially when you feel overwhelmed.
- Be fully with whoever you’re with. Listen and meet the other right where they are at.
- Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others.
- Lighten up; notice when you’re holding things tightly and focus on letting go of your tight grip
- “Gamify” your communications – create a list of positive behaviors and compete across the office for who can do the most in a week’s time
- Limit your diet of social media.
- Acknowledge your limits and ask for help.
- Recognize your feelings and take time to let them move through you.
- Nurture a positive view of yourself. Trust your instincts, think about times that you have been in adverse situations before and how you overcame them… this will build confidence in your ability to face and overcome.
- Seek and develop strong connections.
- Keep things in perspective. Challenge negative perspectives. Consider the stressful situation in the broader context.
- Accept that change is part of life.
- Seek opportunities for self-discovery.
Contributing authors:
- Laura Drury, CEO, TAB Focused Directions
- Karen Van Eden, TAB New Zealand
- Jackie Gernaey, TAB New York & SevenStar HR
- Mags Fuller, TAB UK
- Rena Crossley, TAB UK
- Dani Kimlinger, PhD, MHA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, MINES and Associates
