We all deal with a certain level of stress in our lives and although we cannot always control what happens, we can control how we deal with what is thrown our way.
I have realized from my own experiences how powerful the human mind is. Life isn’t always fair. Situations don’t always turn out the way we think they will, but we can choose how to deal with stress in our lives. It is a mindset and sometimes you need to change your mindset and your attitude to a more positive one to see better results. You are in control of how you think and feel, and you have the power to control the results, no one else does.
The effects of stress
Did you know that stress reduces the volume of grey matter in the areas of the brain responsible for self-control? Stress literally shrinks your brain. Does knowing this make you want to re-evaluate your life or how you look at things? Should you change something in your life that is having a negative effect on you? Is your productivity at work being compromised? Is your health suffering in some way?
We cannot eliminate all the stress from our lives, but we can have more control over how we face stress. Learning how to handle stress in a better or more effective way can help reduce its negative effects on our body.
Dealing with stress while at work
Stress is unavoidable. If you’re feeling stressed whether due to family issues, finances, divorce, grief, illness or just juggling with life, you need to do what you can to minimize the effects of stress while at work.
Consider ways that could help relieve your stress so as to not impact your ability to be productive. Sometimes just sharing what you’re going through with someone can help. We are all human and most people want to help others, especially if they know you need support. Can you talk to a colleague, friend, sibling or therapist? Make time for yourself by going for a walk, exercising or listening to a motivational podcast. Sometimes you just need to make time for yourself!
Have you ever considered doing something kind for a stranger? Pay for someone’s coffee or lunch, ask someone to get in line before you in the grocery store as they are just buying a few items and your basket is full, or buy their groceries. Pay it forward! I promise it will make your day.
My own personal stress
Several years ago, my daughter passed away suddenly at the young age of 31. I thought my life was over. I didn’t know how I could go on without her. However, I was fortunate enough to have a great support group of friends, family and people in the community to help me through this tough time.
I have been working at my job for over 22 years now. A job I love. But, at that time, I really had to figure out how I was going to get up each morning and go back to work. I needed to be able to do my job to the best of my ability. Sometime after my daughter’s death, I made the choice to put one foot in front of the other and to give myself time to heal and start living again. I believe we all have choices to make when faced with stress or hard times. We can either move forward one step at a time or we can let our situation consume us in a way that will have negative results. I chose to move forward.
A positive mindset
Try and have a positive mindset and a positive attitude daily. That’s not to say it’s always easy, but it will make a difference in your life. Your days will be brighter, you will feel better and the people around you will respond and react in a more positive manner. You will be surprised at how much better you will feel and how much better things can turn around. It’s a mindset change, a positive mindset change. Positive attracts positive!
Don’t let negative thoughts consume you. If you start thinking negatively, do something to stop yourself and turn your thoughts around. Outcomes will be much different if you decide to dwell on the negative. Negative thoughts and actions attract negative. Sometimes it can push those who care and love you away. Don’t hesitate to turn to those who you can ask for help.
How people react to situations, including stressful ones, will determine the outcome to a certain degree. By having a positive mindset, you will be able to handle challenges more effectively going forward.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Diana Young brings over 25 years of Human Resource and Administrative experience to the company. Since joining the company more than 20 years ago, Diana has worked both as Director of Business Development and in her current role as Vice President of Perelson Temporary Staffing. Diana has been instrumental in bringing in and managing key clients and accounts over the years, in addition to building the Temporary Division to record earnings. With her outgoing nature and deep networks, Diana creates strong business relationships—many of which turn into long-term friendships, attesting to the loyalty she earns from her clients and candidates. Diana is active in many business associations, including the Business Women’s Forum Committee (past Chair), Salt Lake Chamber’s President’s Ambassadors (past Chair), Mountain West Capital Network, and Economic Development Corporation of Utah.
