Member Blog
Busy professionals and business owners often have trouble reducing stress simply because they feel their work is never done, and it can be difficult to delegate to others when you are so passionate about your job and want to be a part of each decision-making process. Financial issues are often at the root of our stresses, leaving us with an uncertainty about the future. However, learning how to cope in healthy ways will allow you to focus on your goals and move forward with them, whether that means opening up a new store or going for a big promotion.
Reducing stress can have significant physical and mental health benefits; according to Corporate Wellness, these effects are measurable. “The physical costs of chronic stress are well known and have direct and measurable effects: high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, suppressed immune system and disrupted sleep are some of the most common outcomes. But stress also triggers changes in how we think. Stress is a survival reaction which has evolved to keep us safe in the face of physical threats. It’s a short-term solution that gets triggered by the long term challenges in the workplace, and this disconnect between what stress is for and what triggers it at work leads to a number of unhelpful behaviors,” explains writer Damian McCourt.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to reduce stress and keep your finances in shape in order to focus on achieving your goals.
Exercise Daily
Exercise has long been associated with reducing stress and boosting mental health, and getting in a daily workout can help you stay fit and raise self-esteem at the same time. Make sure you have the right equipment and gear for your preferred workout . If you’ll be running or walking often, consider the age of your shoes and whether you need an upgrade (remember, old shoes can cause injury). If you do need to make a purchase, be sure you search for available online deals and discounts at a shoe retailer like Finish Line. That way, your purchase won’t set you back too far.
Buy a New Wardrobe
A new professional wardrobe can help you feel more confident, especially if you’re going to be going out for a promotion or will be networking at a convention. While you may be able to creatively use your existing wardrobe, purchasing a few new pieces may be just what you need to feel more inspired and ready to tackle what lies ahead. Just be sure to shop smart and check out major retailers to reap extra savings. For example, you can find great deals on new clothing by shopping around for a Macy’s discount or an Old Navy clearance special.
Get Organized
Getting organized — both at home and at work — will help reduce stress and boost your mental health at the same time, so remove clutter, keep a magnetic calendar on the fridge so you can keep track of your responsibilities, and consider hiring an assistant to help you stay on top of things. This also applies to your finances — one of the most stressful aspects of many Americans’ lives — so seek the help of a professional who can help you get things in order and keep track of your cash and investments. Check out stores like Office Depot, where you can pick up storage bins and planners, to help keep you organized.
Revamp Your Business Identity
Sometimes, it’s easy to feel as though you’re in a professional rut when you’ve had the same business identity for a long time. Making small changes — such as creating a new logo for your company or ordering new business cards — can make all the difference and can help you find renewed motivation when it comes to your work. Search for online coupons for stores like Vistaprint to help save some money on your business cards.
Overhaul Your Diet
The way we eat and drink can have a profound effect on the way we feel, and when you’re a busy professional who is constantly on the go, it’s all too easy to rely on fast food or easy meals that don’t have much nutritional value, which can leave you feeling sluggish and irritable. Overhauling your diet is a great way to start feeling better right away, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you meal prep on the weekend, you can have a week’s worth of lunches ready to go when you walk out the door.
Get Some Good Rest
Our ability to get good sleep is one of the biggest factors in the way we feel; it can affect our mental and physical health and can play into the way we perform at work and school, and a lack of it can leave us feeling unprepared, overwhelmed, and anxious. Creating a good sleep routine will help you get better rest, so look for cost-effective ways to do so (such as swinging by Bed, Bath & Beyond for new bed linens). You might turn off all devices at least an hour before bed, sleep in cool cotton layers, or control the temperature in your bedroom for maximum comfort.
Take Up a Hobby
Picking up a hobby can help you relax and take your mind off work for a bit, which everyone needs now and then. Look for activities that make you feel good in a healthy way, such as playing an instrument, painting, playing a sport, or cooking, and do it as often as you can. Learning to enjoy spending time with yourself can help you focus more efficiently on your goals. What’s great: You can learn a lot by watching YouTube videos for free!
Learning how to reduce stress and anxiety can do more than help you achieve your goals; it can boost your health in multiple ways and keep you on track in all aspects of your life. Look for ways you can get your finances in order, relax as much as possible, and set a schedule that clearly delineates work and leisure time. This can be difficult for those who do a lot of work from home, but it’s important to save some time just for yourself.
This blog was courtesy of life and career coach, Julie Morris. Make sure to visit her website at JulieMorris.org.