Over coffee the other day with a friend, we started discussing the workplace and stress.\u00a0 Because I haven’t been in the Corporate world for quite a while and work independently in my office, I was curious.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0My friend works in an environment that has several staff both inside and outside who come from all walks of life and are\u00a0a variety of\u00a0personalities.\u00a0 Naturally, the way they choose to deal with issues is also different and\u00a0often frustrating.\u00a0That can make our wintertime work woes even more difficult.<\/p>\n
That discussion led us to the season and the impact the two month stretch between Christmas and the next holiday weekend has.\u00a0\u00a0The shorter days add to the challenges.\u00a0 You leave for work in the dark, you get home from work in the dark.\u00a0 You have to scrape off vehicles, bundle up to stay warm and go without good strong sunlight which nourishes our happy moods leaving lots of us depressed and struggling with SAD.\u00a0Remember, you may still be frustrated by that co worker\u00a0who is dealing with his\/her issues differently than you.\u00a0 Now tempers can get short.<\/p>\n
The aftermath of Christmas shopping shows up when the credit card bills start arriving but the festive fun\u00a0feeling is long gone.\u00a0 A few extra chocolates and more comfort food carbs may have also added some pounds causing wardrobe challenges or just plain discomfort.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This is also the time of year when illness related absences are more noticable, putting stress on\u00a0co-workers to pick up the extra work load.\u00a0 Less fresh air due to less exercise creates a ‘couch potato’ attitude where we go into rest mode and wait for sunny days.\u00a0So what can you do to be a wintertime workplace\u00a0hero and not a wintertime workplace victim?<\/p>\n
Here are just a few suggestions:\u00a0<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0 Be sure to include sunny fruits or fruit beverages into your daily diet.\u00a0 Oranges, grapefruit, pineapple.\u00a0 Berries are good too and can be added to hot or cold breakfast cereals.\u00a0 Of course, be sure to always eat breakfast – no fuel leaves a poorly running vehicle.<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0 Take at least 15 to 30 minutes each day and do something for yourself.\u00a0 Something that matters to you and involves your passions.\u00a0 This can make you smile and raise your flagging energy level.\u00a0 It could be a creative art, puzzles, meditation, dancing, bowling or walking\u00a0– anything you love to do.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0 Take at least 15 to 30 minutes a day and selflessly do something for someone else.\u00a0 Not because it is expected, or because you do it all the time.\u00a0Something simple, like buying a\u00a0single flower\u00a0for someone in the office and leave it anonomously on their desk.\u00a0 Don’t tell a soul.\u00a0 Take $20 and drop it in a donation box somewhere – again tell no one.\u00a0 There are tons of feel good inspirational card sets out now – you can have fun getting a set and secretly leaving\u00a0a card\u00a0here and there where complete strangers will\u00a0find it –\u00a0it will impact their day.\u00a0Bus depots, restaurants, grocery stores, etc.\u00a0 \u00a0Shhh… it’s a secret!\u00a0 Something that makes you feel good and takes your mind off your challenges for a bit – be creative and have fun doing this.\u00a0<\/p>\n
4.\u00a0 When you lay down to sleep, offer gratitude for the day – including the unpleasant experiences.\u00a0 Just\u00a0take your mind back over the events of the day, the people, the opportunities – all of the day and just say thank you.\u00a0 You will sleep better and the next day will be brighter.<\/p>\n
Good luck, have fun and know Spring is around the corner.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Over coffee the other day with a friend, we started discussing the workplace and stress.\u00a0 Because I haven’t been in the Corporate world for quite a while and work independently […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[39],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n