10 Ways To Create The Perfect Work Day
GUEST POST BY REBECCA DETTMAN.
Workplace stress is a pretty horrible thing. I would go so far as to say torturous. I have known people to faint at work from stress, break out in rashes and develop all sorts of anxious illnesses. I myself have had something akin to a nervous breakdown thanks to one particular psychotic boss – I once even threw up before I had to go to work!
Some useful things I did to protect my power zone (i.e. my desk area) included keeping a calming essential oil blend in my desk drawer (and holding it under my nose to calm down), blue-tacking a protective crystal under my desk, and decorating my workspace with fresh flowers and pictures of tropical island paradises. I also visualised a protective bubble, and glass walls, around my work station. A friend of mine hung a bunch of sage above her door to ward off her office witch (i.e. her boss!)
When things really got too much, I sometimes I would go into a toilet cubicle, lock the door, and meditate for a couple of minutes before re-emerging. It’s also a nice idea to set your intentions for the day by visualising exactly how you’d like your day to flow while still lying in bed in the morning. Tell yourself you’re going to have a fantastic, productive day, that you’re surrounded by positive people who help you, and that you feel content and relaxed. Showering by candlelight when you come home is a nice way to imagine all the day’s ‘dirt’ washing off you and disappearing forever down the drain!
Of course, if you’re really unhappy at work, it could be because you’re not doing something your heart is passionate about. A bit of gentle meditation on the topic should help you re-remember all the things you were good at, and interested in, when you were younger – the courage comes in making the jump, or the switch, to a whole new career or lifestyle. But it is so worth it!
Here’s 10 Zen Habits to further help you create a peaceful, relaxed workday:
1. Do Less. Learn to reduce the amount you do — perhaps you could choose three important things to achieve each day, the ones that will have the most impact on your life.
2. Start the day with a relaxing shower or bath. This will get you in a relaxed mood, which is much better than starting the day stressed out.
3. Get in some morning exercise. It will relax you, and gives you a sense of wellbeing and accomplishment.
4. Create a clutter-free environment. Clutter-free surroundings create a peaceful working environment.
5. Turn off the distractions. This includes phones, email notification, instant messaging, anything that will break into your focus.
6. Take breaks and stretch. Get up, stretch, massage your shoulders, neck and head; it will keep you relaxed throughout the day.
7. Roll with the punches. There will always be things that go wrong. When things get overwhelming, take a step back to get some perspective.
8. Work when it’s quiet. This may be early in the morning, during your office lunch hour, or late at night — choose whatever works for you so that you can get some solid work in without distractions.
9. Cut back on your commitments. Choose four to five things that are absolutely essential, and then eliminate the rest over time.
10. Focus on the present. Rather than worrying about what you have to do in the future, or reliving things that happened in the past, focus on what you’re doing right now.
Are there any particular practices you do to inject some “Zen” into your work day? Share your thoughts below!
Positive affirmation for the day: My internal environment stays peaceful and calm through whatever is going on in my external environment.
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I also think it’s really important to consciously try to distance yourself from the drama queens and the fluster-and-bluster people – the ones who wear their stress as a badge of pride and who want to bring everyone else down with them. They’re in every office, and it can make it so much harder to centre yourself and stay peaceful and relaxed when you are constantly in range of their toxicity. Physical distance is good, but sometimes not possible, especially in cubicle nation. Which leaves shielding yourself emotionally from their toxic light-sabres. This ‘shielding’ can be very draining, and is a skill I’m still perfecting, but very worthwhile. Actually, Jess, I learned some of my best shielding tricks from a post you wrote ages ago (Are you responsible for the energy you bring to others?) so big thanks and bear hugs!!!
Also, I SO want to hang a bunch of sage near my desk! Warding off my boss might take a little more than that though!!
Great points Jess @ Sprarrow + Sea. I’d like to read Jess A’s post on shielding others’ stress-I wonder where I can find it? I like the idea of hanging sage too–does it have a strong smell?
Laura Manderino » Hi Laura, here is the link to that post: http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/2011/05/are-you-responsible-for-the-energy-you-bring-to-others/ Enjoy! x
Rebecca:
Isn’t it horrible we have to subject ourselves to horrible bosses? I like your idea of Zen moments at work. Sometimes I think the tough times are there to teach us Zen greatness. Two things I am doing right now are: to sprinkle salt around my desk and door way and then I leave the carton of salt in a corner. The salt cleans the accumulated negative energy; I replace it when it no longer works. The second thing I do is keep crystals in my work place. My current crystals are tourmaline which I kindly request they gently return to sender and negative thoughts (and the reasons why) to the people who are sending them to me.
Kind regards
Love all of your posts!
I like the idea of having a oil blend to calm you down when your in need.
One thing I have learnt is to leave work at work. I used to be so stressed because I was becoming home to finish other work commitments. If you cant get it done at work, you have taken on to many commitments.
And have a lunch break! I never used to have a break, I would just eat at my desk.. sunlight is important x
I recently started waking up earlier so I have time to set intentions and visualize how I would like the day to be. It makes such a difference, I highly recommend it!
The best tip is going into the toilet and meditating! I think I have done this so many times, particularly in my last job which was hell! The toilet cubicle is so peaceful when you are amongst chaos!
I don’t want to get super spiritual but I would also pray and imagine white light filling my office whilst walking into the buidling. This actually helped a fair bit.
The biggest change for me when I was going through hell at work was a volunteer trip to Kenya! I had 3 weeks off work and came back a different person with better persepective. Nothing bothered me at work the way it did before. I found when my energy shifted like this, other people responded better to me also, so I wasn’t having run in’s with the office wicked witch!
Sometimes all you can do is love the people that cause you the most grief, see the Good and God in them. It’s much better than carrying around the anger and hurt!
Love Leo of Zen Habits! Thank you for sharing! I found breathing, stretching and meditating (for just a few minutes) were big helpers in fighting stress and bolstering productivity in the office. Now that I work for myself and from home, the same applies, but with one addition. My biggest stress reliever at home is having my dog around throughout the workday and taking him on walks when I need a break.
These are all great tips and reminders! Thank you!
You guys have added some really fantastic tips to this story. And one thing I forgot to mention — anti-radiation crystals and jewellery for your computer and electronic devices (Jess, have you looked into this much? Would be curious to know your thoughts on this.) All I know is that citrine is the ideal crystal to keep near your computer because it absorbs all the rays and is said to be a self-cleaning, self-regulating gemstone.
I also like having a piece of bamboo in a glass vase. Not only does it help me focus, but I can picture myself someone peaceful and exotic.
Great info. My previous two jobs created a host of stress related complications for me. I have learned a lot since then. I am still learning to take care of myself and better deal with stress. Prayer has helped a lot too.