Nancy Fredericks pens Women Lead Change's "Mindful Mondays" column, appearing the second Monday of every month. Fredericks is a preeminent Business Executive Strategist, Author and Thought Leader. Corporations like Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, Adobe, Allergan and Transamerica have retained her to optimize individual and organizational performance. You can find her at www.CareerStretchZone.com. The views of Nancy Frederick's blogs represent her own and not necessarily the views of Women Lead Change.
Tis the season of sugar plums, fruitcakes, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and a boatload of stress. The "season of cheer" only magnifies the stress levels for women who are already bogged down by their over-packed schedules, as well as juggling multiple jobs—mother, executive, volunteer, watchdog, and resolution-maker of all that is out of control.
Let’s look at action steps you can initiate to reduce stress at work; and then, perhaps you can translate one or more of these ideas into your jam-packed Christmas Holiday calendar. It would be my joy if you received a "two-for-one benefit" from the suggestions.
One of the quickest ways to overcome stress is to create a list. As you sit down to inventory and categorize your undertakings, your stress level immediately drops. Why?
If you are someone vigilantly adhering to your list, change your attitude. While there is no question that producing a list is a stress reducer, you have to be gentle with yourself. Interacting with your list from a fluid, flexible point of view is healthy. A rigid attitude that has you persisting against all the odds as you diligently attempt to complete each item no matter what else is going on defeats the purpose. Such a limiting frame of mind is guaranteed to up your stress level rather than calm it down.
By the way, your list-making habit will lead to being noticed by your company as a high potential employee. Why? You will radiate the quiet center of a leader as you produce more with better results. How is that for a powerful tip? It all originates from your choice to be exceptional and to faithfully keep your most time-sensitive, highest-priority tasks top of mind.
And perhaps by applying these tips in your personal life, you will have the best holiday season ever! It is my wish for you.