stress | Journey

Home/ stress

Tag Archives: stress

What to Learn About Quitting from a Super Bowl Commercial

By leidson on Monday, February 3, 2014

If this Super Bowl commercial was shocking to you, you’re not the only one who felt that way.

While funny, it does bring up an important point about how to quit a job – the wrong way. Not only did she quit her job, she quit in front of millions of people on national television! There are many ways to quit your job with class. Here are some tips on how to quit your job without burning any bridges, embarrassing yourself, or demeaning your employer.

Don’t Burn Bridges

“You may work for that person again,” says Lynne Allen, a career coach who formerly worked in recruiting and staffing at Colgate-Palmolive and Time Inc. Your behavior as you leave a job shapes your colleague’s lasting impression of you. Before you make that final walk out the door, remember whatever you say and do is how you will be remembered. That’s a great reason to think about how you’re going to give your boss the news that you’re quitting. Just remember to not burn any bridges along the way because you never know where they can lead. It’s always important to stay classy.

Always Give a Two Weeks’ Notice

Giving at least a two weeks’ notice is a polite thing to do. It allows your boss to be on the lookout for someone to fill your shoes, and if your replacement is hired within your final two weeks, your boss may ask you to help train them. When the time comes to quit a job, make it one of your professional goals to quit with class.

Take Time to Talk

Quitting can be tough not only for you but for the person receiving the news. So, be sure to schedule a meeting with your boss to give your two weeks’ notice. This will give you time to talk face-to-face about the reasons you’re quitting. Don’t ever just tell your boss to shove it!

Be Prepared to Leave

If you’ve been contemplating leaving your job, but haven’t given your two weeks’ notice yet, you need to be preparing to leave. Clean up your work space and make sure your work is organized. Depending on your boss’ reaction after you give them your two weeks’ notice, they may ask you to leave immediately, so you need to be ready for that response also.

Changing jobs can be exciting, rewarding, and a great step for your career, but breaking up with your employer isn’t something to be taken lightly. What factors do you consider before making a job hop? Share them in the comments section below.

At Work Career Advancement Job Interviews New Job Tips The Job Search Uncategorized Work/Life Balance Workplace Relationships

Ted Talk– Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

By leidson on Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Have you ever heard the saying “actions speak louder than words?” Amy Cuddy, a social scientist and associate professor in the Negotiation, Organizations, and Markets unit at Harvard Business School, firmly believes that saying to be true. Cuddy‘s research on non-verbal body language reveals that we have the ability to change other people’s perceptions and our own body chemistry simply by changing our body positions.

In fact Amy has pinned the saying, “Our bodies change our minds, our minds can change our behavior, and our behavior can change our outcomes.” Changing your body language can take time, but it is worth it. Amy believes as your posture and body language improves, your thoughts will soon change for the better as well. Our body language affects how others see us, but it can also change how we see ourselves.

Amy is well known for coining the term “power posing,” which means standing in a posture of confidence, even when you don’t feel very confident. This stance can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain and can potentially have an impact on your chances for success.

“Don’t fake it till you make it. Fake it till you become it,” is a motto Amy lives by and it’s great advice for job seekers to live by as well. Whether you’re searching for a job or preparing for an interview, your body language can make or break you.

What are some mottos you live by? Share with us in the comments section below.

At Work The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

What To Do When You’re In Over Your Head

By Job Journey on Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Have you ever felt like you were drowning, even though there’s no water in sight? Maybe the feeling snuck up on you slowly over the course of the day as more and more things were added to your plate. Or perhaps it hit you like a semi-truck when you were given a brand new responsibility. The realization that you are in over your head at work is a horrible feeling, and once you reach that point, it’s easy to sink down into frustration and fear.
You don’t have to give up, though. The next time you get that drowning feeling, follow these five tips to help you move past the panic stage and regain control.

Take a Break
A few deep breaths of air and a change of scenery can do wonders for an overwhelmed mind. Even if it’s just a trip to the water fountain or a walk around the building, try and get away from your desk or work station for moment if allowed. If you have to wait until a lunch break, make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to step away from work rather than letting your stress tie you down.

Review the Situation
Once you return from your break, think through your problem. Try to uncover specifically why you’re feeling this way. Is it an unrealistic deadline, disorganization on your part, or just a lack of knowledge? Once you have a clear picture of what’s wrong, you’ll be better equipped to move toward a solution.

Ask for Advice
Everyone feels overwhelmed once in a while, so most likely, your co-workers can sympathize and give you some pointers. Someone might be able to jump in and help you stay on schedule, or maybe take on another one of your projects so you can stay focused on the task at hand.

Google It
If the root of your problem is a lack of knowledge or understanding, you can always take it to the web. Chances are, there are others out there who have had the same issue and have posted their experiences online. A quick search can quickly bring up resources ranging from forum conversations to YouTube videos.

Talk With Your Manager
You can always go to your boss. Good leaders want to see their people succeed, and chances are they will help you find a solution. Just make sure you communicate everything you’ve done up to this point so they know that you have taken initiative and are only coming to them to prioritize and find a solution.

When have you felt overwhelmed and completely in over your head? What did you do? Fill us in on your real-life experiences below in the comment section.

At Work Work/Life Balance

Whitepaper: Don’t Fall Off The Tightrope of Work/Life Balance

By Jared Cole on Thursday, May 23, 2013

Overworked? Finding time for family and personal activities while meeting the increasing demands of your job can feel like walking a tightrope in the circus we call life.

Check out this informational whitepaper to learn about the risks of burnout and stress, and how you can schedule time to focus on your personal interests without sacrificing your career goals.

Walking Along the Tightrope of Work/Life Balance

With today’s workplace constantly changing and workload quickly growing, finding the right balance between job duties and free time is more important than ever. That balance can not only bring peace between your two responsibilities, but also provide you with peace of mind.

Benefits The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

Don’t Forget the Beach The Value of Vacations

By Jared Cole on Friday, March 2, 2012

We are vacation deprived. It’s true. According to the 2011 Vacation Deprivation Study by Expedia, Americans earn less and take less than half the vacation time that Europeans do and still leave an average of three unused vacation days every year.

Using vacation time seems to be a lost privilege among North American workers when in fact, it should be seen as a vital part, not only for your well-being, but also for your career. Vacations are essential to help you relax and balance the multiple demands in your life.

Reboot and Recharge

Workers who take regular time off from work are less likely to experience burnout. We all feel the stress and weight of our workload, and a vacation can seem like one of the worst things you could do for your company and co-workers. Most U.S. workers still take work with them on vacation in one form or another. Never the less, you could be causing more problems in the long run by not taking time off.

A vacation free from work can help you refresh your mind and gain a new perspective on work-related situations. If you make the most and enjoy your vacation, you can be surprised at what you’ll discover about your projects when you step away from the circumstances. You’ll also be able to come back with more vigor and passion when you spend a few days away from it all.

Health and Happiness

Taking vacations can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that after three days of vacation, their subjects’ physical complaints and quality of sleep and mood had improved. The improvements were still present five weeks after they returned from work.

Spending time with loved ones can also help keep relationships strong. Strengthening those bonds will ensure you have help support during stressful times. And having close family and friends will help you enjoy the good times even more.

You may be new to a job, or just be a few years into one, and lack the funds or vacation time to spend. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money and go out of the country, sunbathe at the beach, ski down the highest mountains, or relax at the fanciest lodges. There are several places you can go and get the same benefits on a tank of gas and a fixed budget.

Become a Mean, Green Working Machine

Vacations are also known to improve job performance. If you experience burnout, you’ll start to slack on your job duties and put more pressure on your co-workers and managers to pick up your slack. A lack of vacation time can be like a lack of sleep. Less sleep can affect your ability to think clearly, act decisively, process information, and react quickly. Having too few personal days can have the same affect at work. The same NCBI study suggest the physical benefits that come from vacation can lead to increased quality of work on the job.

It can be easy to think that since you’re new to a job or have only been with an employer for a few years that you need to keep working to impress your managers and stay on their good side. But the dangers of holding off on vacation time can not only damage yourself, but also your employer. What are some of your best vacation ideas and how did they make you feel?

At Work Cube Life The Daily Grind

You Make Me Want to Shout! Calming Down at Work

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Work can be stressful at times. Whether it’s annoying coworkers, chaos in the office, or unruly clients and customers, we all have moments when we are tempted to let go of caution and give in to our anger. Starting a new job can bring a number of situations that can make your blood boil.

But, when we make decisions or say words in the heat of the moment, it usually ends up being the wrong choice. Here are some helpful hints to aid anger relief so you can keep a clear head when making decisions and thinking through problems.

Just Breathe

Breathing is a normal function in terms of staying alive, but taking the extra time to stop and take a few extra deep breaths can help calm you down. The more oxygen in your body, the more easily you can release physical tension.

There are several different breathing exercises you can try on your own. Take five minutes to breath from the diaphragm and use some of the breathing techniques that are right for you. Taking that time to breath can help you look at your situation with a level head so you can make a better decision on what to do.

Just Stroll

If things get to the boiling point, take 10 minutes and go for a walk. Besides the health benefits of walking, it also helps blow off steam and releases endorphins in your body.

Just Separate

Sometimes the best thing to do is remove yourself from the situation. If you can escape work for a few minutes, find a peaceful place to get away from whatever is making you angry. Being physically away from the situation can help you take a mental break and fuel better visualizations and guided imagery to help restore your peace of mind.

This can also help you reframe your situation. Many times, being in the middle of the action intensifies the situation more than it really is. Secluding yourself for a few minutes can help you see your situation differently and give you a different perspective.

Just Reflect

When you’re out walking or separating yourself from the situation, it’s important to look at yourself. Go through the situations in your head and see what your initial reactions would be and picture the consequences of those actions. Reflecting on your feelings about whatever is making you angry can help you make a better decision in the long run.

Sometimes two heads are better than one. If you haven’t found any luck calming down on your own, consider talking to one of your managers or a mentor and explain the situation. There’s a good chance they have been in a number of stressful situations where they have wanted to scream. Verbalizing your feelings with trusted individuals can also help you calm down.

When you are angry, you don’t make the best decisions. The things you say can harm your career. No matter the situation, there are always things you can do to calm yourself down before anger takes over rational thought. If you follow our helpful guidelines, you’ll be better able to keep yourself cool no matter how hot your work life gets.

At Work The Daily Grind Workplace Goofs

Two Dangerous Downfalls to Slacking Off at Work

By Job Journey on Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Let’s be honest – we’ve all had our lazy moments while on the job. Whether your laziness comes in spurts or daily instances, it’s important to realize procrastination actually causes more problems than solutions. We all need a break from time to time, but watch out for these two consequences.

Stress.
The greatest challenge that comes with procrastination is the stress that partners with it. Putting off a project until the evening before it’s due may seem like a good idea at the time, but it can take quite a toll on your stress level at work – and on your health. Avoid the added stress that comes with stalling by prioritizing your work. Ask yourself what needs to be accomplished and when. By organizing your work, you will find yourself much more in control of your projects and at ease when in the office.

Low Expectations.
If you develop a reputation of putting things off until the last minute, those around you are going to have low expectations. And, low expectations will lead to fewer responsibilities and even fewer opportunities to shine in the office. In order to gain the confidence of your co-workers, and your boss, you must hold yourself to a higher standard and surpass expectations.

Work Smarter.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, resist the urge to procrastinate. Instead, find ways to work smarter. Working smarter means you approach tasks with efficiency in order to avoid more work than necessary. Applying this principle to your daily tasks can radically change your schedule and motivation in the workplace. By incorporating efficiency in your daily routine on the job, you will be able to produce valuable work while saving you time and the company money, which is a win-win for everyone.

Although it is difficult to be productive 100% of the time, it is a worthy goal. By focusing on your work in a timely manner you will increase your independence, responsibilities, and worth in the office.