Stress and worry can be major factors for not having a restful night sleep. Having a good night sleep refreshes the mind, body and spirit. A good night sleep unlocks the subconscious for problem-solving through dreams. I recall reading something recently that all the things we worry about only 2% of it ever comes true. If this is the case, why do we continue to worry so much? Is it the constant stress we create in our minds?
What are some of the things that are causing stress and worry in your life?
Are you a people pleaser and worry about what others think of you?
Are you afraid to tell others no?
Do you have unresolved issues with someone?
Are you a parent and your child may be going down a wrong path?
Here are some common tips to help ease stress tension and worry:
Spend some time in meditation to ease tension and to relax.
Listen to calming music.
Pray about the situation for guidance and peace.
Journal about the situation that is causing the stress or worry.
Go for a walk or to the gym and get some exercise.
Figure out what is causing the stress and worry. Is this something you have control to change? If yes, change it. If no, spend time using these tips to reduce the stress or worry. Stress and worry disturb sleep patterns, may cause mood swings and tiredness. All of these may harm your health, work performance and relationships. Isn’t it time to put the stress and worry to bed?
Self-Reflection Questions:
What is causing your stress and worry?
What tips will you start using today to ease stress and worry in your life?
A while back, I asked readers to participate in this poll: Which Topics Interest You? The topic with the most votes was “Work-Life Balance”.
What does work-life balance really mean?
According to Wikipedia.org work-life balance is a concept including proper prioritizing between “work” (career and ambition) and “lifestyle” (health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development/meditation).
How do you balance work and life? Yes, it can be quite challenging. Here are some tips for you to create work-life balance in your life.
Tip #1 ~ Take time to care for your BODY, MIND and SPIRIT
Breathe, stretch, move, exercise, get a massage, get your nails done, meditate, pray, go outside and take a walk, listen to calm relaxing music, journal, read an inspirational or funny book. Your body will thank you and your spirit will feel renewed and refreshed. It is important to take care of your body, mind, and spirit to have balance in your life. When you are renewed and refresh you are more considerate to others. The recommended time to quickly recharge is 10 to 15 minutes per day.
How are you going to take time to care for you?
How often?
Do you have a place to unwind?
Is this place calm and relaxing to you?
If so, how often will you take advantage of this space?
If you don’t, “Why not?”
Tip #2 ~ Tuning Out Work to Strengthen Relationships
As a Leader, each day you push yourself to get more completed with less and are expected to do more. You are over-worked and your mind is in a continual loop thinking about work even when you are physically away from work. Is your spouse, family and friends feeling totally ignored? Don’t you think it may be time to plan some precious time with your spouse, family, and friends?
How committed are you in doing this?
When will you start?
How often will you schedule time for this?
Tip #3 ~ Learn to Say No and Stop Over-Scheduling Yourself
Over-scheduling is very stressful on you and your family. You have no time for you and no time for them. Constantly rushing from here to there while being late for everything, may give the appearance of bad time management, you don’t care, or worst you are unreliable.
Give yourself a time buffer of at least 30 to 45 minutes between appointments and meetings. This way if the appointment or meeting runs a little over you still have time to make the next appointment on time. If traveling allow for travel time as well.
How often do you say yes to something you really don’t want to do?
Is being over-scheduled stressing you out?
Is being over-scheduled and over-committed a way of life for you?
Do you really enjoy being in every association, committee and the chair of everything you are a member?
Do you feel you have to be in charge or say yes when asked? Are you really doing a good job for all of these positions you hold?
Did any of these questions resonant with you? If yes, maybe it is time to start saying no, stop over-scheduling and over-committing.
Slowing down and having work-life balance is very important to lower stress and lessen burn-out. Taking time for your spouse, children, family, friends, pets and focusing on them builds stronger and lasting relationships. Start incorporating these tips and watch how work-life balance will start to transform into your daily life.
Spring is here! It is time to start planning a vacation. What is running through your mind when you hear this statement? I don’t have time to take a vacation. I have too much work to do. Or if I take a vacation I will be buried for days or maybe weeks trying to catch up. There is NO time for vacations. Yes, you can take a vacation if you plan and set boundaries. Everyone needs a vacation for their mental and physical well-being. It’s time to come up with an action plan and have a work free vacation.
Here are some tips to help you start planning and putting it into action:
Set your vacation dates on the calendar and block out those dates.
Make your reservations for your vacation travels. Hotel, Airfare, Car rental etc.
What job functions can you delegate while you are gone?
Start training others those tasks, so when you are on vacation these things get completed and are done correctly. Share your duties with the whole team. Giving different tasks to several people will ensure they can still perform their job assignments and won’t be overwhelmed. They will appreciate you when you get back and it will allow them to learn new skills and grow.
Communicate to everyone you will be on vacation from this date to this date and will not be available. You will be back at this date at this time. Make sure you start telling everyone at least a month in advance so they will be prepared and if they really need something from you, they don’t drop it on you at the last minute. Insert the dates on your email notification when you start your vacation and who they can contact if they need assistance while you are out.
Unplug: Do not check your work emails until you get back. Communicate to everyone that you will not be checking your emails and you will be unavailable during these dates.
By enjoying your time off you will come back rested, motivated, inspired and less stressed out because you know most of your tasks were handled while you were gone. It is wonderful to be passionate about your career, however taking a vacation is good for your soul and the others around you!
For some networking is very uncomfortable. Is being at a large networking event overwhelming for you? Does introducing yourself and talking to others you don’t know hard? Do you feel like you have to sell yourself and your business and you don’t like it? Does this describe you when networking?
Okay, let’s discuss some strategies on how to network with ease.
Find networking groups that interest you and your type of business. Then schedule it on your calendar and start to prepare to go. Do a little research about the networking event so you know what to expect.
Write a quick little speech to introduce yourself and your business. Memorize and constantly practice it. This way it flows out naturally and with ease.
Think about what you want from this networking opportunity and make a plan of action.
Have questions practiced to ask others and some answers ready to reply back.
Smile when speaking with others and be interested in what they are saying.
Have business cards and brochures available to give out.
Follow up with the people you really connected with at the event. Follow up may include via email or connecting with them on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
I have personally met a couple of people at networking groups and we have become good friends. I still keep in touch with others I have met through networking via Facebook and LinkedIn. You just never know who you might meet when networking. Practice your little speech and remind yourself that networking is a great opportunity for you and your business.
How is Stress and Worry Affecting You?
