How to Minimize Your Stress at Work Right Now
Pretend it’s a typical Wednesday, and the end of the week is quickly approaching. For some of you, you’re eagerly eyeing the weekend. For the rest, your head is probably ready to spin off, trying to complete your endless list of random personal and professional responsibilities. While I’d love to discuss the anxiety and frustration you’re going through with a mile-long monologue, you need a game plan instead. Here’s my no-nonsense approach to handling stress and achieving your list today.
ORGANIZE YOUR LIST BASED ON PRIORITY
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Before diving into your list's nitty gritty, you need to prioritize! If you’re like me, you justify cleaning your desk, answering 48 non-important emails, and brushing your teeth (again) to avoid what you need to do. Half the time, the root of my anxiety stems from an unconscious shout (reminder) about the tasks I need to tackle. Are you listening to yourself??? Quit wasting time. Tackle the most time-sensitive, essential projects first.
DON’T ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Would you ever add fuel to a blazing campfire? Hopefully not…That fire is already blazing. Then, why would you drink more coffee or black tea when you’re already stressed and anxious? You’re just heightening an unstable state and increasing your chances of less focus and productivity. Your creative ability could also end up stunted (while you fly across the room). Create the mindset and physical comfort to check off your list patiently but aggressively. Save the caffeine for a time when you need it.
READ YOUR RANDOM TEXT MESSAGES, SOCIAL MEDIA STREAMS, AND PERSONAL EMAILS FOR 3 MINUTES AT THE TOP OF EACH HOUR (AND NO OTHER TIME)
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Honestly, I’m already assuming you’re addicted to your habit of checking text messages, social media, and personal emails. Please don’t deny it. You may be reading this article from your phone now (I’m not judging). Have you calculated the number of minutes you spend on these distractions? I think it’s time. Starting now, record the time you spend in the next 24 hours. The tally will probably shock you. Although I don’t expect you to stop these indulgences, I think it’s time to set boundaries. You don’t have time to check Facebook every 15 minutes while trying to finish a PowerPoint presentation. You’re splitting your attention each time and siphoning off your creative juices with witty comments and emojis on random social media posts (unimportant). When you return to work, you must review and refocus (such a time waster). Set an alarm on your phone and then jump into your project thoroughly. Give into your addiction when you’ve completed your homework like a good boy or girl, or at least wait until the end of the hour.
RETURN TO SIMPLE
Personal Trainer Wisdom: What should you do when life is complicated and stressful? Simplify. Always simplify. It should be your first response. Are you taking on responsibilities that a colleague can manage? Please pass it on. Are you scheduling unnecessary meetings while you have other pressing projects overhead? Reschedule them for next week. Remove the unnecessary and complicated and narrow your focus (a recurring theme here).
REWRITE YOUR PROCESS(ES)
Personal Trainer Wisdom: More often than not, most anxiety results from inefficiency in one of your personal and professional processes. When dealing with the less important stuff, create a mindless, predictable routine to minimize decision fatigue. I wake up, eat, and go to bed simultaneously each day. What daily requirements need more routine in your life? You want to minimize chaos in your life. Take control of these little processes, too.
Photo Credit:
Gentisrecruitment.com - Is your head in the papers this week? Should you change your approach first before looking for a new job?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
EPISODE #10 - EAT FOR LIFE, WEIGHT LOSS, AND AN OPTIMAL IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH BEST SELLING AUTHOR DR. FUHRMAN
On “The Elements of Being” podcast, Michael dissects and explores the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, you learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve incredible feats, goals, and milestones…and a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior. In this episode, Michael interviews Dr. Joel Fuhrman, an internationally recognized nutrition and natural healing expert and author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including his most recent book, Eat for Life. His other bestsellers include Eat to Live and The End of Dieting (which I give to all my clients).
Read more and listen here…..You can also listen to all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Overcast, Castbox, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform!
