A Message from Bob

Fact is that you more than probably open this e-mail because you are vitally interested in any and all information that will help you cultivate success in both your professional and personal life. Starting with today’s edition, I will begin a regular dialog with you, focusing on ways you can break through to the next level of achievement.

I plan to cover a wide range of topics, from the latest research into optimum performance to time-honored tips to help you charge ahead with energy and confidence. Please join me on this journey to success, and let me hear your thoughts and concerns.

Today I want to talk about a challenge we all face every day – stress in the workplace, and how to overcome it.

While most employers have eliminated a number of risk factors from the workplace, from smoking to chemical hazards to harassment, one deadly threat remains – stress. A number of recent studies have shown that stress on the job can significantly increase your chances of developing heart disease and can lead to other negative consequences. Companies that allow stress to affect workers suffer from higher rates of absenteeism and turnover and lower rates of productivity, as well as higher insurance costs.

The antidote to workplace stress is employee engagement. Workers who function within a highly supportive environment report lower levels of stress and produce more value for their employer.
If you are an employer, make sure your employees have the tools they need to get their work done correctly. Empower your employees to make a difference. Maintain a positive and responsive work environment. Dale Carnegie advised leaders to "be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise."

Dale Carnegie Training of Western Connecticut has a wealth of advice for employers and employees alike on how to deal with stress in the workplace and in life. Keep reading below for some FREE valuable tips on keeping stress at bay.

And keep your eye on this space for a continuing series of columns dedicated to helping you find your way to greater success and career fulfillment!

Have a great day!

Bob

Dale Carnegie of Western CT Website

How To Reduce Stress

Are you feeling overwhelmed at work? Are external issues clouding your ability to work? Sometimes, we find ourselves becoming increasingly agitated and flustered as the workload just continues piling up. Many of us have come to accept that stress always comes with the job but that may always be so. We forget that stress is almost always counterproductive and can seriously harm our health if we allow it to dwell. There are several techniques and ideas you can try to reduce the levels and effects of stress in your life.


1. Develop and stick to a healthy lifestyle.

Good health is a powerful safeguard against stress. You know the right mix: a nutritious diet, plenty of rest and regular exercise. Keep in mind that if you are out of shape, it’s smart to consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen.


2. Know when to say no.

Acknowledge your time and stress limits up front to avoid taking on too many responsibilities. Assess the importance of each assignment and prioritize your activities. Try delegating some tasks to associates or speaking frankly to your superiors about recognizing your situation and adjusting your duties.


3. Take breaks.

If you are experiencing a nerve-racking day, try taking an unscheduled break to take your mind off work for a few minutes. Go for a walk, do some deep breathing or converse with a colleague.


4. Don’t try to be perfect.

Do you find yourself proofreading a report over and over again even though you have checked it twice and found no mistakes? It is sensible to strive for excellence, however you are unnecessarily adding more stress and burden on yourself when you impose impossibly high standards on your performance. A tough self-analysis will help not only eliminate behavior and excessive activities, not driven by the task at hand, but fears of criticism and rejection but also create less angst at work.


These suggestions are just a few ideas to help reduce stress in your life. Try experimenting with different techniques and you’ll see yourself developing into a calmer and more disciplined worker, ready to tackle new challenges.