It’s Time To Go Red

By Brian Maynor

 

This evening the City of Columbia is hosting its first GO RED Fashion Show to honor and support women affected by heart disease, but that doesn’t mean men should stay home.

GO RED is a very familiar slogan and theme for events, but that’s because heart disease is serious and still a leading cause of death, especially in women. One of the biggest stressors in life, for both men and women, is work. Whether it’s feeling like you have too much responsibility with too little authority or you have an unmanageable schedule with unrealistic expectations, we all feel job-related pressures and stress and those add up over time.

Coincidently controlling that stress will go along way to a happier you, not to mention a healthier you. Here are some great tips from the American Heart Association spokesperson and clinical psychologist Dr. Barry J. Jacobs on reducing stress in your life, and specifically at work:

 

1.    Plan Ahead. Effective time management is a big key to reducing stress. For many of us the mere thought of running out of time or running late immediately quickens our pulse and heightens our anxiety. While that’s not always avoidable, we can significantly control that stressor by managing our time better. For example:

• Track how long it takes you complete tasks or projects so you know how much time to allot for them, or
• If you tend to ignore reminders, set your clock five to ten minutes fast to avoid running late;

2.    Ditch Multitasking. Looking at everything on your desk or to-do list can be overwhelming, especially if you try to tackle it all at once. Multitasking may sound like a great idea because you can accomplish more in less time, but it’s actually not that effective. In fact, more people are opting to tackle one task at a time to achieve better results. While you may need to set time limits for each task to make it through everything, focusing on one thing reduces stress and helps you feel less scattered or overwhelmed.

3.    Take a Break. Walking away from your desk can be the best thing to do if you want to lower your stress level. We all need breaks throughout the day, but few of us take them. Dr. Jacobs suggests working through lunch won’t help your stress level. In fact it could add to it. By taking a break you decompress and are able to return with a sense of replenishment.

4.    Adjust Expectations. The boss may love a superstar, but if you take on more than you can handle trying to impress them you will only end up failing. Being challenged is one thing, but if you’re feeling demoralized chances are you’ve taken on too much. When that happens it’s time to adjust your expectations and have a conversation with your boss about adjusting your workload.

5.    Emergency Stress Stoppers. These help you deal with stress on the spot and are extremely effective when you feel stress mounting. Some of the most common are:

• Counting to 10 before you speak;
• Take 3-5 deep breaths;
• Ask for time to handle a stressful situation;
• Go for a walk, or
• Say, “I’m sorry,” if you make a mistake.

 

We are working more hours than ever before, which is like adding fuel to the fire of that never-caught-up-feeling and in turn creating more stress. Maybe it’s time to break the cycle and enjoy an evening of fun and awareness. Not to mention rubbing shoulders with Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine and WIS News Anchor Judi Gatson.

For more information on the City of Columbia’s GO RED Fashion Show check out their website. Tickets are still available.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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