Teach these 3 good habits for less stress
Some workers may think of "stress management" as something that requires a lot of their time, but this is a misconception.
"Don't wait for the "perfect conditions" before you practice self-soothing techniques," says Carol Filkins, MS, a certified wellness coach at Ceridian Health and Productivity Solutions. "No matter what is going on in the environment around you, it's still possible to take a few moments to calm yourself. She gives these examples:
Encourage your employees to stop multitasking.
Filkins says that multitasking is bad for productivity, and makes workers more likely to make mistakes. "Give whatever you are doing your full attention. When you are talking to a colleague or client, do only that," says Filkins. "When you are eating your lunch, just eat don't also read your emails or snail mail, a magazine or newspaper."
Tell employees to let hands rest palm up in the lap while seated.
"This helps shift the shoulder muscles into a neutral, more restful position," she says.
Tell workers to perform "recovery rituals" every 90 to 120 minutes.
"When we don't take time out, we hit a point of diminishing returns and stop being productive," Filkins says. Some examples of short and simple "recovery rituals:"
--Take a five minute walk to the restroom furthest away from your work area.
--Go outside for a breath of fresh air.
--Do some belly breathing for three minutes.
--Connect with a colleague about a mutual interest.
--Have something nourishing to eat or have a glass of water.
Encourage workers to do stress reduction techniques "no matter what."
Once workers find something that works, it's important to keep it up. "Regular practice has a cumulative effect and builds up your ability to be resilient," she says. "You wouldn't stop brushing your teeth or brush them only once per week, would you? "
There is usually no major consequence for missing a day of brushing your teeth, she notes, but there is a predictable consequence if you stop brushing over time. "It's the same for other health behaviors, including stress management," says Filkins.
Give the practices time to work.
"Stress didn't accumulate to the breaking point over night and it won't go away quickly either," she says. "Those who do practice regularly tend to discover that the quality of their sleep improves. They are less irritable and more capable."
Some workers may think of "stress management" as something that requires a lot of their time, but this is a misconception.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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