10 Tips for Managing Stress
May 8, 2013
Everyone has stress in their lives, but sometimes the added pressure of trying to find a job piles on even more stress, which can cause high blood pressure, migraines, chest pain, and more. Here are some tips to manage stress effectively and still keep your job search going strong.
1) Check your Posture
People who are experiencing stress tend to slump over while they are sitting down. Slumping can reduce blood and oxygen flow to the brain, which can increase muscle tension and make people feel panicked. Sitting up straight promotes circulation and increases the flow of oxygen in the brain and throughout the body. Sitting up straight also reduces muscle tension as well. All of these perks add up to reduced stress levels and promote a higher level of relaxation.
2) Make Plans
Making plans provides a calming perspective because you are looking forward to something. Plan a dinner out with friends, buy movie tickets, or plan a weekend getaway.
3) Get Up and Stretch
Your muscles tighten up throughout the day, and when you’re stressed, the process happens even quicker. Stretching encourages you to breathe deeply and loosens your muscles, which relieves stress. Take a break from your desk and do some stretching for about 5-10 minutes. Hold a few yoga poses, or just do standard stretches to make you feel refreshed.
4) Zone Out
Take a break from the computer screen and look out the window. Stare at the birds playing in a rain puddle, or look at the trees blowing in the wind. Taking your mind off of work for a minute or two and onto something natural will take the stress off of you, and make you forget for a little bit what was stressing you in the first place.
5) Sip on some Tea
Drinking some hot chamomile tea will make you feel a sense of calm and collectiveness, and reduce your stress level. You can also try passionflower or kava kava tea. You can use tea bags or loose tea, just be sure to steep the tea for about 10 minutes to get the full effect.
6) Set Aside “Worry Time”
You may think that your stressors need to be immediately addressed, but really, they don’t. The things that are stressing you out, like work, can be dealt with at a different time. Don’t let your worries consume all of your time and make you feel like you have to solve them right away. Tell yourself that you will deal with it later, and that now is not the time to panic. Then, when you aren’t at work or busy, take some time to figure out the situation and try and solve what is stressing you out.
7) Count to 10
Don’t let stressful situations control you. Before you say something that can cost you an interview, step away from the situation. If someone is on the phone, put them on hold. Take a few deep breaths and count to 10 slowly, then collect yourself and understand that you are in control of your stress.
8) Breathe It In
Essential oils like eucalyptus, chamomile, lavender, anise, basil, rose, and thyme are all soothing to your senses and promote relaxation. Try a lotion with essential oil and breathe in the aroma whenever you are feeling stressed.
9) Tell Yourself You are OK
Think of a positive, short statement that focuses on you ability to cope and handle stressful situations. Telling yourself that you are okay will silence the inner self-critical voice that everyone carries. Tell yourself “I am okay, I can get through this”, and repeat it 10 times.
10) Breathe Deeply
Shallow chest breathing can cause your heart to beat faster and your muscles to tense up, which can increase the feeling of stress. To release feelings of stress, take a big, deep breath inhaling through your nose; hold the breath for a few seconds then exhale slowly. Repeat this several times.
We hope these tips help you to feel more relaxed and at ease with your job search. For more tips and leads to job hunting, visit us on Twitter.