This quote never rang more true than when I jumped into the workforce.  I will be honest, I have been pretty unstable as far as staying in one place for long enough to move up career-wise.  I have had 3 different jobs in the past 3 years or so.  In my work experience, I noticed that the one thing that starts my mad dash towards a new profession is stress and overwhelming anxiety.  I noticed through self-evaluation, that I tend to let several aspects of my job and work environment stress me out unnecessarily, and over time, it causes me to resent my job and begin looking for another one.  I have gone through a lot of different feelings and emotions at the hands of job stress.  One of my New Year’s resolutions was to stress less.  Everyone has their own method to living in a stress-free work environment, but here are a few things that keep me grounded and keep the stress down.

Work ends, when work ends.  I used to keep my job and my clients with me all throughout the day and night.  I would constantly look at my phone, check emails, return calls if a client called me, etc.  One thing I have learned in my experience working, is that you cannot handle every issue every time the phone rings.  When my phone rings after hours, I let it go to voicemail.  Nothing can be solved after hours, so the call will have to be returned the next business day.

Take some time to breathe.  Most people spend the majority of their sedentary job at their desk.  Whether the light is on or off, the blinds or drawn or open, the room seems to become a little stuffy and claustrophobic.  What I found worked for me was to just stop everything I am doing, and walk outside. Sometimes the gust of wind hitting my face or the warm sun is a refreshing pick me up when I have been knee-deep in work for hours.

Detox your mind.  Like I said previously, when your work day is done, it is done.  I have thrown myself into the practice of working out at least 4 to 5 times a week, and have recently started yoga and meditation.  I meditate for at least 10-15 minutes twice a day.  I even downloaded some meditation music so that I can have my moment to completely zen out when I need to.  Meditation and Yoga are good for the body and soul and they are probably the best choices I have made towards an overall healthier life.

These are just a few things that I have started doing in the past couple of months and I have definitely felt some weight come off my shoulders.  The key is to make time for yourself.  One of my previous supervisors told me “the job will always be there, but if you stress yourself out, you won’t be.” I’m finally taking time for me to make sure I am 100%, so that I can be 100% for my job.

What about you?  What are some things you do to keep the stress down from work?