Stumble It!
Dealing With Stress At Work
“Don’t take life to seriously. You’ll never get out alive.” Bugs Bunny
That pretty much says it all. I believe in being ambitious and working hard for what you want, but never taking yourself too seriously. Your personal finances, home life, mental health, and physical health are intimately tied. Most of us have to work to live, so we also have to deal with the stresses that come with work.
I have a professional job. I am in the middle of 7 years of professional exams. I have a mortgage, student loans, a beautiful wife, and two wonderful kids. How I deal with work stress is very important. Basically, this falls into three categories.
- Enjoy Your Days
- Know What You’re Working For
- Take Pride In Your Work
Enjoy Your days
I heard years ago that a study correlated the first section of the newspaper you turn to with your life expectancy. Those who read the comics first live longer. Maybe it is because these people are more laid back, or maybe it just puts you in the right frame of mind to start your day. I read my favorite comics every morning before starting work.
Build some time into your day for yourself. Whether you listen to the radio while you work, read the comics before work, sing in the shower or to your steering wheel, or take a walk around the block on your lunch hour. If you make a habit of breaking up your workday with a few minutes here and there to let your mind relax, you’ll go back to work refreshed, happier, and more productive.
Know What You’re Working For
Know your hats! I wear a lot of hats during my day. I am a husband and father all day. On the ride to work, I’m John Ondrasik (Five For Fighting). For the first 20 minutes at work, I’m Scott Adams (Dilbert). From 7 to 4, I’m an actuary. From 4 to 9, I’m Ward Cleaver. From 9 to 11, I’m Casanova (or at least I try to be).
The idea is, know who you are and what you’re working for. Make sure you know what hats you wear, and make sure they are the ones you want to be wearing.
Take Pride In Your Work
In previous jobs, I have made the mistake of falling into the habit of bashing my boss, job, and paycheck. Once you start that, it is time to leave. After that, you won’t be a good employee, and they won’t be a good employer. You can make the best of any job, and even enjoy going to work. But, if you let yourself start to hate your job, you will only be making yourself miserable day after day. If you have a terrible job, by all mean, find another. Otherwise, take pride in what you do, and let yourself enjoy it.
At 17, I worked at Dairy Queen part-time while I was in college. I loved the job and the people I worked with. I took pride in the work I did. Every evening, I would finish my work in half the time, so I could help a cute girl I worked with to do her work. This July, we celebrate our 10th anniversary.
Today, I work for an insurance company. I try everyday to do the best job I can in my position. I enjoy coming to work, and take pride in what I do. I don’t mind coming in early or working late to do the job right, when it is necessary. I try to be as helpful as possible to my coworkers. I frequently volunteer to take on more responsibility. In the two years I have been here, I have received four raises.
The idea is, work hard, but take time for yourself, stay positive, and enjoy every part of your day. You’ll be better at everything you do.
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May 11th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
[…] Johnson presents Dealing With Stress At Work posted at […]
May 14th, 2008 at 8:53 am
[…] Vacation - Everyone needs at least one vacation a year. If you find time to get away and relax, you will come back to work refreshed. Work hard, but know what you are working for, and take time to enjoy your life and your money. See my article Dealing With Stress At Work. […]