Stress Archives | The Rakstar

Why Not Me?

The Rakstar — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:00:51 +0000

A Self-Guide to Believing You Can Achieve—No Matter What Life Throws at You

Let’s get real for a second.

Life doesn’t always hand you the perfect script. Sometimes it hands you chaos, curveballs and a whole lot of “Why me?” moments. But here’s the shift:

What if you asked, “Why not me?”

That question changes everything. It moves you from self-pity to self-power. From stuck to unstoppable.

1. You Are Not Your Circumstances

You are not your job title, your past mistakes, your bank account or the people who didn’t believe in you.

You are potential. Power. Purpose.

Your story is still being written—so pick up the pen and write away Rakstars.

2. The Dream is Yours for a Reason

You didn’t randomly wake up with a dream in your heart.
That vision? That fire? That whisper of “there’s more for me”?

It’s yours because you’re meant to chase it.
Own it. Pursue it like your life depends on it—because the best version of you does.

3. Resilience is Your Superpower

Every setback is a setup.
Every “no” is making room for a bigger “yes.”

Every tear, every lesson, every late night grinding when no one’s watching—it’s shaping you into someone unstoppable.

4. Someone Out There is Waiting for You

Your story, your voice, your dream—it matters.
There’s someone who needs your light, your courage, your example.
You showing up for you gives someone else permission to believe in themselves.

So next time life hits you with the doubt and the fear:

Rise tall.
Take a deep breath.
Look in the mirror and say:
“Why NOT me?”

Because you’re not just capable.
You’re chosen.
You’re ready.
You’re a Rakstar—and Rakstars rise. 🌟

: Photo by Anna Tarazevich

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Top 10 Mantras to Live By for Success, Confidence and Our Inner Peace

The Rakstar — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:55:29 +0000

Mantras are powerful affirmations that shape your mindset, boost confidence and bring a sense of calm to your daily life. Whether you’re seeking motivation, clarity, or resilience, the right mantra can be a game-changer. So why not try it, Rakstars!

Here are 10 mantras we swear by—use them daily and watch how they shift your energy and transform your mindset!

1. “I am becoming the best version of myself every day.”

Growth is a journey, not a destination. This mantra reminds you to embrace progress over perfection and celebrate small wins along the way.

2. “Everything I desire is already on its way to me.”

This affirmation reinforces the power of manifestation and abundance. Believe that the opportunities, success and happiness you seek are already aligning for you.

3. “I release what I cannot control and focus on what I can.”

Let go of unnecessary stress and focus on what truly matters. This mantra helps shift your energy from worry to action.

4. “I radiate confidence, self-love and positive energy.”

Your thoughts shape your reality—so why not affirm confidence and joy? Repeat this daily to embody self-assurance and attract positivity.

5. “I am resilient, strong and capable of handling anything.”

Tough days happen, but your mindset determines how you overcome them. This mantra reminds you that you have the strength to face challenges head-on.

6. “I am worthy of success, love and happiness.”

You don’t need to earn your worthiness—it’s already yours. You are a Rakstar! Use this mantra to silence self-doubt and embrace the abundance you deserve.

7. “I choose peace over worry, joy over fear and love over doubt.”

This mantra is all about intentional choices. Every moment, you have the power to shift your mindset toward positivity.

8. “Success flows to me effortlessly because I take aligned action.”

Hard work is important, but so is working with intention. This mantra reminds you that when you take action with purpose, success follows.

9. “I trust the timing of my life and embrace the journey.”

Patience is key. Instead of rushing the process, trust that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.

10. “I wake up every day with purpose, gratitude and excitement.”

Your morning mindset shapes your entire day. Start with this mantra to set a powerful, positive tone for everything that follows.

Remember Rakstars,

Mantras are more than just words—they’re a mindset shift. Repeat these daily, write them in your journal, or set them as reminders on your phone.

Which mantra resonates with you the most? Let us know! Reach out via email or the Contact Us Page!

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How to Make Friends at Work: 10 Quick & Easy Tips

The Rakstar — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 20:28:00 +0000

Making friends at school was so easy when we were little. We smiled at each other, saw what they were playing with and asked if we could join them on the slides. All was fine in the world. But when making friends at work, it can be daunting. You don’t know them at all! What brings them to work besides a paycheck is out of the question. School was easy since we were all grouped by age. So how do we make friends at work?

Making friends at work can make your 9-to-5 (or longer) life a whole lot brighter. Whether you’re starting a new job or trying to break out of your shyness, work friends don’t have to feel awkward. Just take a look at Selling Sunset, Selling the OC or Selling the City on Netflix. It’s all about work + friends + (a whole lot of drama!). But ignore the drama for now!

Here are some ways to help you make friends at work.

1. Smile like a Star

Start with a smile Like when we were young. This sounds simple right? But it works. Smiling makes you feel more approachable. Passing someone in the hall or in the break room or in the common space, a smile can set the stage for friendly interactions.

2. Say Hi

Don’t be shy and wait for others to come to you. Just say Hi! But don’t just say Hi and then suddenly leave. Say “Hi! How’s it going?” Start the conversation – see where it leads. See if the person wants to communicate. These small exchanges can grow into deeper conversations – maybe you find out that they are going ice skating on the weekend and well you love ice skating. Find a common connection.

3. Bond Over Coffee or Lunch

As you make conversations with co-workers, you have a feel of who you would like to talk more with…so invite a co-worker to grab a coffee with you or sit together at lunch. A casual setting outside the office vibe often makes people more open and relaxed. Plus, who doesn’t bond over food?

4. Offer Compliments (Genuinely)

Be kind to others – genuinely. If you compliment someone at work, whether it’s their great presentation or their desk plant. Whatever the case may be – a genuine compliment can break the ice and bring you closer.

“I enjoyed your presentation.”

“Really, thanks. I was a bit nervous.”

“You killed it, I couldn’t tell.”

“Thanks. I’m glad you liked it. Listen, I have to do another presentation, do you mind if I do a practice run with you?”

“Of course, we can chat about it at lunch?”

“Awesome. Thanks!”

5. Find Common Ground

Discover shared interests by asking open-ended questions:

“Have you seen any good movies lately?”
“What do you like to do for fun?”
Any favourite restaurants you recommend?
What books have you been reading? I really like…

Chances are, you’ll find something to connect on, whether it’s your favourite television shows, hobbies, or sports teams.

6. Participate in Office Events

Who said office events were boring? Okay maybe…well it depends on who’s organizing it. A lecture on understanding the Science of Geology. Snooze Fest! Unless you are so totally into it, then go for it. You will meet people with the same interest as you. But we’re talking team lunches, book clubs, office yoga sessions and even office parties. Getting involved in social activities can help you meet people organically. Bond over some party games, or the chapter of a book and well – there you go – you found someone who you can talk to. Chances are you may have some similar interests.

7. Lend a Helping Hand

Let’s just say someone is drowning in work. They are constantly working late and seem overwhelmed. Ask them if you can offer to help. Small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression and show that you’re a team player. This helps with team morale and it’s just overall nice.

8. Share (a Little) About Yourself

Building friendships requires give and take. Share small snippets about your weekend plans, pets or favourite pastimes. This invites others to do the same, paving the way for connection. If you start talking about yourself, so will others. These connections help build stronger bonds.

9. Be Consistent

Friendships don’t form overnight. Keep showing up for those casual chats, coffee breaks, or group outings. Consistency builds trust and strengthens bonds. The more someone sees you – the more likely they will start a conversation and want to hang out with you during work. Maybe work on a project together or go to office parties together instead of being on your own. It definitely helps make the job a little less boring.

10. Respect Boundaries

Lastly, not everyone is looking for work friendships and that’s okay. Be mindful of how people respond to your efforts and adjust accordingly. If someone doesn’t want to speak, don’t push them. They can be shy or just not looking for any friends. And that’s okay. Speak to a group of people and see who is accepting your conversations and want to converse. They are probably looking for a work friend too.

Finally,

Making friends at work doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By being approachable, taking small steps and showing genuine interest in others, you’ll build meaningful connections before you know it. And remember—every great friendship starts with a simple “Hi!” So, go ahead, give it a try. Don’t be too hard on yourself and remember it takes time. It’s not a one shot thing.

Go for it Rakstars!

: Photo by Christina Morillo

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Bathing Bliss (Step by Step Guide to Relax)

The Rakstar — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 17:40:32 +0000

View this: the world outside fades away as you step into your personal oasis, a haven of warmth and serenity—your beautiful bathtub. In this haven, time slows down. You find yourself immersed in a soothing blend of relaxation, a good book, a warm drink and dare we say fragrant flower petals. Welcome to Self-Care!

Draw a warm bath, one that’s just the right temperature. Immerse yourself in soothing waters to melt your worries and stressors away. Be a Queen or a King by adding a handful of fragrant rose petals, to create a spa-like ambiance right in your bathroom. You are regal after all.
Choose your escape by selecting a good book to another world. Forget that daily grind. Submerge into a gripping novel, maybe a cozy mystery or a self-help gem—the choice is yours! The best way to make sure those pages do not get wet is to find yourself a waterproof e-reader, like the Kindle Oasis, so you can fully immerse yourself in your literary escape without worrying about water damage.
Sip and Savour this bliss because that’s what a bath is all about. Brew your favourite herbal tea or prepare a rich favourite drink. Consider investing in a spill-proof mug, such as the Yeti Rambler, to ensure your drink stays in the cup.
Luxuriate yourself as you sink into the bath, book in one hand, warm mug in the other and rose petals adrift, close your eyes for a moment. Yes, take a deep breath, feel those stressors of the day start to dissolve. Breathe in the subtle scent of the petals, letting their aroma whisk you away to a peaceful scene.

Links to Your Relaxation Luxuriate

Rose Petals: Transform your bathtub into a floral paradise.
Kindle Oasis: Your waterproof portal to countless literary adventures.
Yeti Rambler: Keep your beverage warm, no spills allowed.

The Power of Self-Care

Rakstars, it is important to take time for yourself. Try having a luxurious bath-time ritual. This is an investment in you – your well-being. When you take care of yourself, you can alleviate burnout and stress and be more uniquely yourself. Your productivity soars, your body is rested and you can fly (okay, so maybe that is more of a metaphor – don’t actually try to). This is a reminder that you deserve moments of self-indulgence. As you soak in the warm water, can you feel yourself nurturing your mind, body and soul.

So Rakstars, when life feels overwhelming, remember that your sanctuary awaits, along with petals, pages and the promise of calm. Let the stressors melt away in the soothing embrace of your bathtub bathing bliss.

: Photo by Monstera Production

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The Big Money Belief: Abundance Mindset

The Rakstar — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 21:45:56 +0000

Big Money…Abundance Mindset?

What we think is true versus what is really true?
How do we see others’ riches versus our own riches?
Is Money a Stressor or a Saviour?

I once overheard someone at a Ferrari event ask the person next to them who they just literally met and had passed the Hi How are you, so What do you Do commentary and then just like that, bam, he asked:

What I just don’t understand is… how does someone like you… working as a mid level employee in a company, afford a Ferrari?

Now you may think that this was a rude question but in reality and truth, he was speaking what was on his mind. If he thought this, then maybe just maybe everyone else did. What about the other employees at work? The person’s boss? All scratching their heads dumbfounded. Maybe so?

In order for us to be rich, we must be Rich CEO’s or Investment Managers, Surgeons, High profiled lawyers … but the truth is – here comes the abundance mindset – we must be financially literate.

Think of it as this – You go to school to study and learn and basically be smart so that one day you can buy a house, drive a fancy car, support your family and well – conform to societal norms. But in order to do that, we need the Moolah – the dolla bill – well hundred and hundreds of dolla bills because frankly nothing is cheap anymore. 25 cents chocolate bars seemed like a different world back in the day. I wouldn’t know regardless. LOL!

What we don’t learn is how to be financially independent. How to eliminate financial stress, how to build wealth and how to be our own wealthy person. But the first step in any financial education, learning, masterclass, skill – whatever you want to call it. The idea of having money, lots and lots of it, doesn’t always equate to a fulfilled life. Yes you can have money, lots of it but what’s the point if you are unhappy? I guess that’s where the quote Money can’t buy happiness falls into it. It’s like having a lifetime supply of boston cream donuts, only to have a dairy allergy! What’s the point? You can be a hot shot exec working or some would say slaving for so many years, earning that dough, creating wealth only to realize you are burnt out, tired and have lost your interests, your friends, loved ones – why? Your life was not fulfilled. Working with no meaning or purpose.

So why do they call it Personal Finance?

Well, it’s personal.

No one size fits all.

What is the very first step to financial freedom?

See where you want to go and keep traveling there (metaphorically speaking).

Example: Save up for a nice apartment.

Change your outlook (no not your email). Don’t think of money as a stressor. Think of money as a saviour.

Example: Money is not evil, it’s a positive source of life.

Be Realistic! You won’t wake up as a millionaire, but overtime, in a few years possibly, you can arrive at your fulfilled life. But remember when you start now, change is bound to happen. If you don’t do anything about it, nothing much will change. Unless you leave it to the lotto.

Example: Set a plan of action for budgeting/saving/earning more than what you had before.

Do not surrender to fear. Fear is part of the process. Fear comes before accomplishment

Example: Setbacks are bound to happen.

Where has there been one biography story where the person didn’t encounter hardship. It makes a good story, so keep moving so you get to the next chapter.

Do not let your energy fade. The good one. Day to day actions are needed for a big change. If you lose hope one day, if you forget where you are going, if you forget you won’t go far! Remember your own reason and keep it close to you!

Example: Put it on a sticky note, frame it, take a picture and keep it as your screensaver.

: Photo by Roberto Nickson

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Toxic Relationship with Money?

The Rakstar — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 21:35:14 +0000

So, you are in this relationship but you feel it’s one sided. They are the devil and you are the angel. There’s never going to be a happy medium. It’s always want, want, want, take, take, take and never give give give.

But why are you in the ever never ending battle with them. You can’t afford to leave them and if you do, you will go back. You are dependent, reliant and hate it all together.

Mr. or Ms. Money has been flowing in and out of your house. It sees other people and you can’t be angry about that because you know it has its needs. But you have your needs and you need to be taken care of. Don’t let money control you, you control money.

Let’s face it. In a world of recessions, one point or another, we have learned growing up not to spend money. Save your money. Compare prices. Find the cheaper option. The cheaper alternative and sometimes we learn why that cheaper alternative is cheap.

We each grew up differently, with different cultural backgrounds, experiences and at different schools. But there is one common universal theme we may have all experienced in life. Money! Whatever currency you use, there just seems to never be enough. In a way where it becomes such a quotient task, to exchange money for something else, we almost don’t see it as a chore but often as a fright of money going out and not enough coming in.

The people that don’t have a toxic relationship with money are more content, knowingly and willingly spend it where they want it, without having a single regret.

So the question comes down to this, Rakstars, do you have a toxic relationship with money?

Here are the signs:

You always feel poor

Do you walk in the mall only to window shop? You enter the store, only to walk to the back of the shop, to find the sales rack, because you are shopping solely on price. Do you ever see yourself, taking a look at the price tag and putting it down like a can of overpriced tuna? Why? Does your mind often say, “I can’t afford that. No, it’s too much.” But the rest of the customers in the store shop like it’s a boxing day sale on a typical Tuesday morning?

You hate people who have money

You scroll on instagram to see people dressed up in such high end designer clothing. You meet up with one of your friends that just bought a new house. You watch strangers get out of their expensive sports car. But you just can’t help it but say something bad about them. Or you give them an excuse. It’s instagram – it’s probably fake. They couldn’t have bought a house on their own, they are probably renting it. That car – they must have rich parents!

You have a fear of spending

You just can’t seem to hand over that one dollar to the cashier for a water bottle when you are severely dehydrated because you know you can get water from the tap at home, you are only an hour away. Maybe you can hold your thirst? While you are home to release your thirst, you add water to the milk so that it lasts longer. There is a difference between frugal living and living with the stress of money.

You are scared of letting go

You pay your bill at the very last minute because frankly, you see that the amount in the account is big, it’s nice and who would want to touch that. What if you need that money for something else, it’s all going to go in a quick click. You can’t part with your money. You like to hold on to it, like a favourite teddy bear. You can’t bear to lose it. No you can’t.

You haven’t invested in yourself

You have not gone for a vacation or bought yourself new clothes or ordered take out. You have been a little skimpy on yourself and chose to live this way because you can’t possibly spend money to make your life better, no that would be selfish of you. You work to pay the bills and that’s it. You live a robotic life.

So if any of the above sounds like you, it’s time to rethink your relationship goals. Try to have a talk with yourself and Mr. or Ms. Money about the way you approach it. Sometimes, seeing the big picture, creating a budget and learning to spend money (small change – small steps), can break that fear of spending or using money. Try going to your local dollar store. Walk in and get something that you will definitely use like a broom, a birthday card for a friend or simply candy for yourself. Practice the art of spending. There’s nothing scary about it. Turning this toxic relationship to a synergistic relationship will not only help you not be fearful but will make you one step closer to your financial freedom.

Avoiding the issue will not let you get to where you want to be. Only through education and knowledge can you somehow get past the sweating palm of handing cash over and make you comfortable with letting go.

So Rakstars, make this relationship work for you and not against you.

: Photo by Karolina Kaboompics

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It’s Me, Hi, I’m the problem, It’s Me – 5 Realistic Ways to Actually Manage Stress (No fluff)

The Rakstar — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 22:34:15 +0000

Hello Rakstars,

Cue Taylor Swift: It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me

Do you find that ringing in your ears during crunch time through a stressful period? Never feeling good enough. It can be during work year end files are just popping through your inbox like spam mail during a festive parade and your boss keeps on micromanaging, dictating that the spreadsheet is not right and you just can’t take it anymore. You turn to your colleagues but you don’t even see them because they are just whining through their tasks. Are you really the problem?

In a time of struggle to make it to the deadline date or just through the day with someone watching over you, it can seem like at times that you are the problem. You can’t do things right and you are not capable of completing whatever the task may be correctly. It could simply be – peeling a banana and you hate yourself because you didn’t peel it right? (Is there really a correct way to peel a banana – top or bottom, so long you eat it right?)

We get caught up in our minds. Our minds become our anti-hero or even the villain. It makes us feel defeated because if our boss says something bad about our work, a colleague makes a snarky remark or just the pile of work is too long and we can’t accomplish our to do list – our state of mind rolls down the hill into the dump and just sits in the garbage. We smell the rusty old dirt and that’s it – we stay in the mindset. We can’t handle it anymore and we turn against ourselves. We don’t even defend ourselves from ourselves. If someone called us incompetent or made us feel like one – we agree instantly. No push back. We simply stare at the wall, with a huge frown and agree.

But you are not incompetent – you feel like it because you feel hurt, sad, insecure, unstable, a mix of battling emotions and darkness tends to win.

So how do we possibly manage stress during busy season?

Exercise!

Wait! Don’t leave, keep reading. This is not your typical exercise get fit routine. This is the exercise routine of just walking with your head up high even though you don’t feel like it or it’s taking yoru anger and frustration and moving vigorously on the elliptical. Either way, move yoru body. Take a dance break and put up your type of music on full blast and dance it out. Pretend your own stage with your full Beyonce outfit and get grooving. There is no time to stop, just move. Moving allows you to really feel present. So move it or lose it! Literally.

Singing!

So you don’t have to have an Adele voice to sing. Go to your bathroom, lock the door, taking out your hairbrush and sing to your favorite song. Just feeling and gratifying that sense of emotion that is on your shoulders, makes you feel better. It really does. Turn up the music or sing a capella. Either way, enlighten your soul. Make yourself feel better.

Writing!

You don’t have to write thanks or a to do list. Simply just writing rants can really help to alleviate your stress and just feel better. Don’t like what happened or maybe you hated what someone said. Just make sure to not write a burn book. Spread kindness and positivity! After you have written your rant, you feel lighter, the world is more sunnier and it looks like it’s an ice cream type of day unless your lactose intolerant than vegan ice cream is just as great!

Sleeping!

Who said naps were just for kids? Naps are great for us to calm down, wind down and just forget about our troubles temporarily. When we are so caught up in the moment, there is a feeling of fear, nervousness and bogged downness. Whatever it may be – sleep helps us to heal ourselves, by giving us a clear mind and sometimes we even solve our solutions in our sleep!

Take a Break!

There is such a thing as burnout. If you have never felt it – lucky you but if you had it and didn’t realize what it was – let’s just say it’s like putting a pot on a gas stove, watching the burners burn. Burn out can happen and before it occurs, we must tell our bodies and especially our mind that we need a break. Jump on the couch and watch Netflix. Or go hang out with some friends. Maybe spend time with your family. And if all those don’t look like suitable options – volunteer at a retirement home and bring joy to people’s faces. Taking a break is not defeat. It is the best solution when you are not feeling yourself. You need to unwind, enjoy your time and spread out fun.

Remember Rakstars, don’t get caught up in all the seriousness. Make sure you recognize when you feel a bit off and help remedy the steps you need to take before you are thrown off balance. Whether you are juggling your career, personal life and relationships – you need to prioritize yourself, because without you – you can’t really do much can you. So don’t forget to love yourself and smile on.

: Photo by cottonbro studio

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What is Scarier? (Job Interview or Social Media)

The Rakstar — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 22:22:50 +0000

Anticipate, Deliberate and Meditate

Rakstars, what is scarier going for a job interview or posting pictures on social media for the whole world to see?

A job interview is nothing like presenting a project to your school mates. It is life or death. The moment you wake up, hesitate each and every single thought you have in your head. Second guess your outfit that you chose, hate your skin because it’s not glowing and self-talk yourself down. You anticipate, deliberate and mediate. The world is turned upside down. Why? Because you want the job, you want to be that person. That person whose dreams come true. Could this actually be your dream job or is it a stepping stone to what you actually want? Either way anxiety fills in, you can’t breathe and on top of it all – the interviewers scare the heck out of you. Some are friendly but you can’t help to notice they are too friendly – are they waiting for you to fail, choke up or cough up? What about the rude ones? They think that they are better than their whole team, sneering at you the whole time, like a ghoul or a reptile? They want you to go red in the face, feel incompetent and hate yourself. What about the dreaded question, the one that is so important yet the most awkward? Salary!

In a world of people, who strive to do their very best. Job hunting and job searching are stressful. When you get the call for the interview, your heart races. The day of the interview – you can’t breathe. When you get the call to determine if you made it or not – or they will just ghost you – you feel like a failure. What is it with job interviews? Can’t we make them fun.

Sure we can. Rakstars, at the end of the day, job interviews don’t have to be scary. They are scary because we make them scary. Our perceptions, movie scenes and talks with other people – are dramatized. If you live in a world where job interviews are like going to the candy store – do you feel a sense of relief? Do you feel better and happier to go? If only it was that easy.

Posting pictures on social media for the whole world to see is something of scariness. Yes, it’s scary to post a picture because we are self-obsessed with ourselves. How many likes, hearts, follows and reposts? Who knew statistics became everyone’s new math. You take a picture, you look at it and you hate it, You take another one and another one – only to critique every part of yourself and not the background. Then eventually, you blame it on poor lighting, stick a filter and you are ready to post. But before you post, your heart races, anxiety fills your lungs and now you anticipate, deliberate and meditate. The world is turned upside down. Why? Because you want the picture to do well, you want to be that person. That person who has a cool instagram account.

Can a picture not do well? You know what we mean. Then you wait for those hate comments to soar in like a boxing day rush. You are scared to read what people are saying about you. You don’t know them but yet they believe they know you incredibly well. It hurts, not going to lie.

When you post the picture – your heart races, when people comment – you can’t breathe. When you see the hate comments from strangers saying random hurtful things which are not true but yet those words are published on their account directed at you, like an arrow – you feel like a failure. What is it with social media? Can’t we make them fun.

People can bring us down, people can control our lives – whether we get the job or whether we get the like. But that’s just one side of our brain thinking. What about the other side? If we don’t get the job, it wasn’t meant for us. It’s not the end of the world, we have better things to do with our lives, different directions we want to go and taller heights to reach. So what if people hate our picture, do we like it ourselves? Of course we did. We posted it because we were happy with it. If people don’t see it the way we see it, then it’s on them, not on you. Liking the picture yourself is the real prize, not that others like it or not.

Practicing failure is the ultimate tool, but in order to practice it – you must experience and experience is the greatest teacher.

But when we don’t have the opportunity to practice, there are other ways to solve through the scariness of the world.

Anticipate, Deliberate and Meditate

Anticipate

Mind thoughts thinking and worrying, jumping up and down like a kids bouncy castle. Thoughts race and mind is exerted. Note to yourself: You are not a fortune teller, so why act like something bad is about to happen?

Deliberate

Long careful reasons flood the head, going back and forth, back and forth. You become self-conscious. But you are aware that your thoughts are actually thoughts, not reality. You realize you are not a fortune teller and can’t predict the outcome.

Meditate

You are thinking but not thinking. You have had enough of your thoughts. You spray cold water on your face and sit and stare out the window. Silence is good, silence is nice. Maybe you like to listen to music, play your favourite song and just forget about what was so scary in the first place. You relax.

Rakstars, in times of distress, please use the Anticipate, Deliberate and Mediate (ADM) method. I find that it works. Even when you try to ignore those useless thoughts in your head, your brain works harder to annoy you. So entertain it for a quick second, but change to deliberate and then mediate. You are stronger than you think you are. Scarieness is not scariness – they are just things that we go through in life for life to be life. Either way, it takes time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We are here for you, cheering you on from the sideline. Now go and win! But first,

What is scarier, going for a job interview or posting pictures on social media for the whole world to see?

Do something that scares you today!

Let me know in the comments below, what scares you?

: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

: Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva

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How to Manage Stress at the Workplace?

The Rakstar — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 22:12:09 +0000

Do you always feel stressed when you work?

Too many deadlines, an annoying boss, not feeling fulfilled?

What about no kindness?

No thank you, just demands and orders and no humaness shown with your boss, your co-workers or Frankie the receptionist. What’s up with that?

There’s more of a chance of singing trees than a boss saying “Thank you. Well done. Superb! Excellent. Keep up the good work.” Instead they are like Hell’s Kitchen, creating fires and spreading them across office politics. Don’t get me started.

In a time where self-care is more important than anything else, we often find ourselves, setting ourselves as the least priority. But in order to be effective and efficient at work and at life, self-care is as important as brushing your teeth in the morning. Please don’t tell me you skip that? Do you? I hope not!

How to Manage Your stress?

Identify your stressors

What are your stressors? Is it your boss’s manners, your coworkers’ incompetence or the fact that no one really cares and they all just pass the work like a baton of self-indulgence? Figure out what they are and write it down.

Time

For a week or two, place a checkmark each time your stressor occurs. This will ensure, you know that something is actually stressing you out compared to just a one off.

Condense

Narrow your stressors to the top 3 – if there is 3, hopefully, it’s one or maybe two, but if it’s more, just narrow it down to 3, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Take a look

Read your stressor out loud to yourself in front of the mirror (make sure you are alone, don’t want anyone to hear.) Repeat it to yourself. Does it make you cringe? Feel exhausted or just plain shivers run down your spine.

Mindfulness

These stressors are challenges, just like in work, you must solve the challenge (Yippe said no one ever). How can you solve the problem without choking your co-worker?

Here are some tips:

1. Practice deep breathing: Anytime, you can a ping from the person, take a deep breath before reading it.
2. Guided Imagery: Keep an image on your desk, pull it out, when you have a difficult task to do and pretend you are in that picture working. You will feel a lot better.
3. Meditation: Have a stressful meeting – try meditating for 3 minutes before. Close your eyes and just think happy thoughts. It changes the game.
4. Add happy things to your office: If you feel stressed, placing plants, comfortable chairs, decorations and a fridge may just help ease you into enjoying your work time alleviating some of the stress.
5. Party: Don’t be a workaholic, you need the break. We all do. We are human after all. Don’t be afraid to stop work at 5 and go and hang out with friends. Forget what your boss said and let it go. How much longer can you obsessed with impressing the boss?
6. Alter your negative thoughts: When your boss/co-workers say something to you that you feel is rude, it may just be that they are under pressure and there is no self-reflection on you personally. So take it with a pinch of salt even though it seems like you feel like hot sauce. Easier said than done. Don’t listen critically. You know your worth. Someone doesn’t have to tell you, that you are doing a good job because it is way easier to criticize someone to make themselves feel better. But in reality, we both know, you were right!

Remember Rakstars, when encountering stress in the workplace, it is inevitable to get rid of it all. But the stress involved should not increase your risk of health issues, decrease workplace morale and productivity. Stress – will always be part of our lives – but we shouldn’t feel crippled of stress hanging on our shoulders causing intense neck pain. Know when it’s time to take a break, set your boundaries and soar to the heights you can manage.

When you identify and understand your stress, then you can create a plan of action to reduce the amount of stress, allowing you to live your best Rakstar life!

: Photo by fauxels

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