How is it possible to work so hard, get so much done, but still only make a dent in your workload? It is as if you are digging yourself out of quicksand with a spoon. The harder you work the deeper you sink. In the end, you are only left feeling defeated, utterly exhausted, and completely stressed…
The biggest challenge we face today is managing our time and accounting for the time and activities of others that affect us or report to us. The stress caused by not being able to meet time commitments and achieving agreed upon goals can take its toll for sure.
According to a finding by the Center for Disease Control, 7 people die every 2 seconds due to stress. The American Psychological Association reports that chronic stress is one of the 6 leading causes of death. Furthermore, 75 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.
A Miami Herald reporter, Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley, wrote an article on March 21, 2014 entitled “Chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death.” She reported on some great ideas to help reduce stress:
- Yoga or meditation.
- Mindful self-care activities such as; biofeedback, writing in a journal, devotional practices such as prayer, guided imagery, creative visualization or breathing exercises.
- Aerobic exercise as a part of your daily routine – riding a bike is a great stress reliever.
- A Mediterranean diet based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts, legumes and beans, olive oil and seafood.
- And finally, helping others. When you serve, your body produces the hormone oxytocin that, in your brain, boosts trust and empathy while decreasing stress and anxiety.
