Are You Ready To Recapture The Stress-Free Feeling Of Summer?

By Brian Maynor

 

Remember as children we longed for summer vacation because it meant freedom from school, homework and days of endless play?

While most of us aren’t in a position to take an eight-week holiday, we can recapture that feeling of joy by learning to manage our stress better at work, since work is well documented as the number one stressor in our lives by the CDC. The World Health Organization has even gone so far as to describe stress as the ‘global health epidemic of the 21^st century.’

So what are you suppose to do in order to combat the highly demanding, constantly connected work culture and find the elusive joy of childhood? Here’s what the latest research suggests:

1.    Practice mindfulness. This is a huge trend in all aspects of life, but it’s particularly catching on in the business world because of its ability to facilitate job performance. The first step is to understand what it means to be mindful, and that is basically ‘focusing your awareness on the present moment’. Life is full of routines making it easy to slip into autopilot just to make it through the day. Many people do it without ever recognizing it. Mindfulness is a habit you have to develop through practice. So take a breath and actually focus on the task in front of you, no matter what it is, and see if you notice a difference in yourself and the outcome. I’m betting you will.

2.    Compartmentalize. This skill goes hand-in-hand with mindfulness because it involves tackling one project at a time. Multitasking, as we’ve talked about before, sounds productive, but in practice it really isn’t. Different tasks place different demands on our brains and particularly how we process information and if you’re constantly jumping around from one to another you creating distraction and decreasing your productivity. The best way to do this is actually schedule specific times to accomplish dedicated tasks. While you can’t control all interruptions, it will at least give your day, and mind, more structure.

3.    Don’t neglect breaks. Life is a cycle, as are our energy and concentration levels throughout the day. Most commonly we can focus for 90-120 minutes before we need a break. It doesn’t have to be a long break, but you do need to stand up and step away from your desk to achieve the mental reset. You can easily combine this practice with compartmentalizing in structuring your day and it will do wonders to keep you focused, and mindful.

4.    Exhibit compassion. Not only does compassion, both for yourself and others, promote happiness and positive relationships it decreases stress. With all of those positives it’s surprising that scientist at Berkley show it’s significantly underutilized in professional settings. With projects and goals being divvied out to teams, understanding and exhibiting compassion are crucial to success and happiness for individual members as well as the team.

While we may not be able to revert back to our youth and enjoy a carefree summer of freedom and joy, we can recapture some of that jubilation through these practices that in actuality work together pretty seamlessly. It just takes practice and intention.

 

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.