Feeling Overstressed? Try a mini-vacation

Whether it’s the pressures of work, the demands of our personal lives, a sudden crisis, or the on-going and chronic problems we must work through, most of us feel stressed and tense on a regular basis.  What we need is a vacation; A break from it all.  Unfortunately a true vacation is often not practical or possible.  And, it often provides only a temporary fix before the stressors return.

My solution to this is the mini-vacation.  A special break that can be enjoyed in just a few minutes – often all that we can spare.  Better yet, the mini-vacation is easily cost-free.  The important part is that it is scheduled – like a vacation, and is undisturbed “you” time.
  

Following are some ideas for having a mini-vacation.  This list is far from exhaustive, so please be creative and think up your own!

1.       Stare out the window.  Maybe you have a nice view of the City, a Lake or Ocean.  Look at the grand scene, or take note of the trees blowing in the wind.  Enjoy the quiet of this moment.

2.       Give yourself a hand massage.  Get some lotion with a fragrance you enjoy, take off any jewelry that would interfere and give yourself a slow nourishing massage of the fingers, wrists, and thumbs.

3.       Listen to some music.  Ideally, be able to do this with your eyes closed.  Hear the music without distraction.  Enjoy the melody, lyrics, or beat of the music.

4.       Stretch.  Stand up and stretch your back, your shoulders and neck.  Do a few yoga poses.  If you like, incorporate music into this moment.

5.       Read a book or article.  This is pleasure relaxation reading – the kind you wish you had time to do.  Allow yourself to escape into the characters and to read without interruption.

6.       Take a walk.  Getting outside to feel the sun, the wind, even the rain, can be refreshing and invigorating.
 

7.       Call a friend – If you feel socially isolated, and this is your biggest desire, this may be your ideal mini-vacation.  Be sure to limit your calls to people who inspire you and make you feel good.

8.       Daydream – Imagine being someplace where you are relaxed and happy.  Visualize it.  Hear the sounds that would surround you.  Make the day-dream as real as possible by combining it with music or a photograph if that helps you to escape into the moment.

9.       Write a letter – Perhaps you wish you had more time to correspond with others.   Write a letter to an old friend or loved one.

10.   Look at old pictures – Do you have an online photo account through Shutterfly, Flickr or SmugMug?  Revisiting happy memories of other “real” vacations and seeing images of your friends, children, or pets can revitalize and bring a smile to your face.

By putting your mind and body in a happy zone, even if only for a few minutes, you are giving yourself a much needed vacation from the rest of the stress that surrounds you.  So go on, schedule your mini-vacations, you deserve it.

Preventing Panic in the Workplace

Has the chaos of this economic climate proliferated into your work place? Employees and staff at all levels are experiencing financial panic in conjunction with the unrest on Wall Street and a sense of foreboding about an uncertain political and economic future. These legitimate concerns bring fear and confusion into our personal lives, and lead to issues of lowered morale and productivity in the business world. How can you help your staff put in their best efforts at work when they’re worried about layoffs, house payments, fuel costs, and inflation?

1. Talk to your employees– Communicate with staff about the impact of the current economic issues on your company and on their jobs. While this may sound dangerous, keep in mind that fear is far more damaging than knowledge. Fear immobilizes, while knowledge activates us. If layoffs are inevitable, let your staff know how deep the cuts will be. If cut-backs or staff reductions are only possible, let them know what needs to happen to prevent that outcome.

2. Get them involved – Once staff is aware of the problems that lie ahead, engage them in finding solutions. Some staff may wish to create a think-tank or team to brainstorm solutions; Shy contributors may benefit from an “open-door” policy allowing them to contribute ideas by approaching management/owners directly. By creating an arena for employee input, you also provide them with some control over the outcome.

3. Provide incentives – Perhaps productivity has diminished as gossip, worry, and complaints have infiltrated your business. While you can’t remove employee’s economic concerns, you can motivate them to work harder. Try using incentives that address their concerns. A $100 gas card or a $50 restaurant voucher has an immediate and tangible value – more so than a Starbucks gift card or a promise of an extra day’s vacation.

4. Demonstrate you care – When employees believe they’re important to the company and recognized for their efforts and commitment, they feel secure and rewarded. Demonstrating you care may be as simple as paying attention to your staff and being positive and encouraging in your conversations with them.