Corporate Stress Got You?
Reduce stress!
Bring more balance into your everyday life!
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a game of whack-a-mole (corporate edition) that just never ends? Emails pop up, teams meeting pings every two seconds, meetings multiply and stress levels jump like a rocket. You are definitely not alone. We’ve all been there, but here’s the good news: there’s a Recovery Route!
The Great Corporate Circus
Imagine this: You’re juggling a dozen flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope over a pool of sharks—all while your boss is LAUGHING from the peanut gallery munching on popcorn. Welcome to the Corporate Circus! Where’s Susanna from Cubicle B, she’s somewhere lurking around – oh there she is – by the water dunk tank.
But guess what? You’re not just a performer; you’re also the Director of this show. Your show anyways. You are in charge of yourself and your wellbeing. It’s time to grab the tigers and make it a circus you don’t want to miss.
Stress Epidemic: We Need a Change
Corporate stress is real. It really is and it never gets easy. The impact can be downright scary. More scary than clowns in our sleep. Burnout, exhaustion, sleepless nights and the dare I say it “Sunday Night Blues” are just gushing in like a flood. Stress can lead to health problems, strained relationships and no reward.
Escape the Circus
It’s time to pack your bags (metaphorically – unless you’re really committed, then by all means, good luck and hope the next one turns out better!). No, we’re not suggesting you quit your job (unless you want to, totally up to you), but we’re talking about reclaiming your sanity and injecting some much needed calmness into your life.
Step 1: Embrace the Power of “No”
Do not be hesitant. You can say No. You don’t have to feel scared and say yes all the time. Just because they are your boss doesn’t mean you have to obey 24/7 – you have limits. We all do. If you can’t take something on – do not feel guilty – you are human and you are amazing. Don’t get stressed! Learning the art of saying “no.” is quite liberating. You don’t have to be a “yes-person “24/7. Politely declining extra projects or tasks that don’t align with your goals can do wonders for your stress levels. Believe me, been there, done that!
Step 2: “Unplugging” (Do not unplug that TV though)
Unplug from the digital world once in a while. Turn off those email notifications, silence your phone and enjoy the sweet sound of silence. It’s amazing how a break from the digital circus can help you reconnect with the real world. Take a walk in nature, it may sound like bull but really just do it and thank us later.
Step 3: Find the Escape Route
Discover your escape route from corporate stress. Maybe it’s taking up juggling (real or metaphorical), shopping at the mall, or joining a book club. If you’re not into that, that’s cool. Try jogging or going on a hike or even better just place your bare feet on the grass. (Seriously try it!). Fun hobbies and activities can provide a much-needed mental break. Jewelry creation, drawing, sketching and even playing with play-doh. Be a kid and have fun!
Step 4: Make Mindfulness the Ringmaster
Practice mindfulness. It’s like having a calm and collected ringmaster in your corporate circus. Simple mindfulness exercises can help you stay centered and focused, no matter how wild the show gets. Light a candle, spray your favourite perfume and use your olfactory senses to remove those negative stress balls. Try it, you will see the difference.
Step 5: Connect and Laugh
Connect with colleagues (the ones that you have vetted out already that you know are on your side and not the boss’s pet) and share a laugh. Laughter is the best circus trick of all. Build a support network at work, organize team-building activities (if you like your team – we don’t judge) and create a positive and enjoyable corporate atmosphere. For example, Thirsty Thursday – grab a drink with some colleagues or try going out for lunch with them. A change of atmosphere from the office can renew yourself.
The corporate circus doesn’t have to be a nightmare, no it does not!. With a dash of self-care, you can tame the stress beast and make your work-life balance a little more manageable. So, throw that jester hat away and be the master of your own corporate circus—you’ve got this Rakstars!
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- Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr.
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- Photo by Yan Krukau
