Are you excited when Monday mornings roll around? For many not so much, because Monday mornings mean going back to work. The stress of returning to work can literally seem like enough to dread the thought of Monday mornings. In several studies throughout the years, scientist have found a pattern of heart attacks during the week. They occur the lowest rates on the weekends and reach an all-time peak on Monday mornings. This speaks volumes, and there must be some significance to these studies.
My years as an emergency nurse has allowed me to see first hand how busy the ER would be on a Monday morning. With people presenting to the ER with heart attack symptoms, asthma attacks, panic attacks, high blood pressure and stroke-like symptoms.
This is not a coincidence, but studies show that most people stress is contributed to work. I too have been under extreme stress from working a job that was not a good fit for me. I would start to tense up on Sunday night because I knew all the stress I had to face on Monday morning. This not only increase my stress level, but it causes me to end up in the hospital for 3 days with stroke symptoms.
This is when I made a conscious decision that I had to walk away from that job. There are so many of you as well that know it’s time to let that job go but of course, you have bills. I want to share with 5 tips you can apply immediately to help you relieve stress at work.
Learn to Walk Away
This is one of the simplest things you can do. Take the time to walk away from your desk, computer or
office space to get some fresh air. This is so important, because if you don’t take time for you how can you truly be effective at work? If you can’t step out to get fresh air make sure you step away to use the restroom, grab a refreshing drink or take some deep breaths.
This also means taking your lunch breaks. I know in the nursing profession we always go without lunch. I’ve learned over the years that if I don’t take the time to eat, use the restroom and refuel I am no good to my patients. The point is taking a few minutes to focus on you. You will be so thankful you did.
Vacation Time
Stop making excuses for not taking a vacation or taking time away from work. There are so many people who have vacation time but don’t use it. If you have the time, use it. You have earned the right to take time away from work, and don’t allow anyone to make you feel bad about stepping away on a week or two vacations. The work will still be there when you return.
Stop the Bullying
Bullying is becoming more and more
common in the workplace. You have control over what you will accept and how you let people treat you. If you are not receiving fair treatment, speak up!
Most people stress comes from managers and supervisors who treat their employees bad. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and don’t except anything less than that.
Don’t be afraid to leave
The reality is some jobs are so stressful they really are killing you and making your life miserable. Don’t stay at a job you hate for the sake of a paycheck. Yes, I know you need money but it’s not worth your health. Your health is so important. If you are sick and can no longer work, your job will replace you quick and in a heartbeat. Don’t settle for something that’s killing you slowly. It’s not worth it and you deserve better.
In closing, your health is truly your everything! No job or business is worth your health. There will be times you have stress but you must be able to control the stress. No job is perfect, but you must be at a place you enjoy. Life is too short to settle and your job is not the source, but it’s the resource.
Priscilla Q. Williams, RN: Author, Speaker, Certified Life Coach, Global Nurse Educator www.priscillaqwilliams.com
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