Memo: Stressed Out?

Dear Employee,

As I look around the office, there are several people who appear stressed out. It is too late to deny it. I heard you cussing...so one reason or another, there are so many people stressed out folk around here. My heart aches for each and every stressed out soul here. Heck, my heart aches on days I can't take it myself...just to say 'me too'. At the same, this about you and not about me. This is a memo to inform you of the dangers of chronic stress. It causes conditions like:

• Pain of any kind
• Heart disease
• Digestive problems
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases
• Skin conditions, such as eczema

Our human bodies are amazing in this manner because it doesn't know the difference between mental or physical threats towards it. A fear of heights and being in car accident are treated the same for example. It works harder on your behalf as if it is a life and death situation in both situations. It is harder to turn off the 'stress system' when it is in operation often. Although, the example provided didn't mention employment issues, the same can apply. In other words, stressing over job duties, job evaluations, job stability, possible job opportunities can cause major damage in the body.

Personally I use my relationship with God to aide in any distressful situations. So there are some very practical tips and tools to meditate on daily:

1. It's okay to love what you do; it's okay to have passion for your work. But you're not defined by what you do professionally. Stop being a workaholic, and learn to slow down and "turn off" work.
   
2. Your personal life is at least as important as your work life. Facing this reality and learning to work with it will make you feel more successful and less stressed. So remember to get home and enjoy your home life.
3. Lighten up and laugh at life's absurdities. Remember, the lower your stress level, the higher your appreciation of life and your ability to care for others.
   
4. Some 40 percent of people surveyed say they don't spend enough time enjoying leisure activities. The biggest obstacle to play? Ourselves. Give yourself permission to have fun.
   
5. Everyone needs a change of pace and scenery and fun on a regular basis. Vacations offer the restorative power many people desperately need. Without the ability to recharge your batteries for a long period of time, you're on a slippery slope to burnout.
   
6. Don't ignore your family in favor of earning a living. Create positive experiences that stir their emotions and will therefore impact them, so they'll remember the good times.
7. Having a hobby is a great way to re-energize. Whether you like to knit, create scrapbooks, or design clothes, do something regularly. Make time for it. Hobbies are a wonderful outlet for the creative expression missing in many people's lives.
8. The traditions you share with your family are important ways to nurture and express your love for the important people in your life, and to create those fond memories that make you a family.
9. Time management doesn't mean packing your day like a moving van, ensuring every single minute is full. What's really at issue is not the quantity of time, but its texture.
10. This doesn't just mean going to the doctor and dentist regularly. Reconnect with your childhood, keep up an active social life, pamper yourself occasionally, and don't feel guilty about downtime.

Please take this seriously, life is too short to live miserably in existence. Have a blessed life.