Fall stress, especially at work, is a common thing these days. Doctors and psychologists have been studying people’s stress habits and found that we feel much more anxious in autumn. Gone are the sunnier days, longer lunchtimes, easier breaks, longer dates, and fun family picnics. We try to focus on improving our careers, but it’s a challenge to avoid fall stress.
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t suffered from fall stress. I think we all face this problem at some point. But it’s important to recognize the problem and do everything possible to combat fall stress and enjoy the fall season to the fullest. With these simple tips, you will have no excuse to not stay positive at work even with a busy schedule.
1. Clean up your desk
First of all, be sure to clean up and organize your desk. Throw away all the old papers and files, give the place dust and purchase a desk organizer if you have spare pens. When your desk is clean, your brain is clean, so you will get more done in a day. Keeping your desk clean is a surefire way to stay more organized and productive throughout the day, as well as avoid unnecessary stress.
2. Don’t sleep in
Instead of clinging to your bed for those extra 15 minutes, get up and make your way to your office. Once you get there, write down the list of the tasks you should accomplish that day or week.
Calm yourself by taking a few deep breaths before jumping into work, and start working with a smile on your face. Don’t be afraid of a big amount of work and difficult tasks. If you stay positive, you will accomplish them faster than you think.
3. It won’t last forever
A happy person is less likely to succumb to fall stress, so make sure you always feel happy at work. After all, it won’t last forever and spring will arrive faster than you think. I know it’s difficult to be happy at work you hate, but it’s possible.
When I worked as a waitress, it’s was really hard for me to smile and be positive because I didn’t like that job at all. But I had to work to earn a crust, so I found out 2 things that made me smile and happy – music and fall foliage. If you hate your job, I suggest you learn to notice the most beautiful things around you. When you are happy, your brain is 31% more productive, and you also look much friendlier.
Do whatever possible to make yourself smile and feel happy in the morning to feel awesome during the whole day. A picture of your kids or the whole family, looking at funny videos at lunch, listening to your favorite music, or walking in the park are some of the best options. If it brings a smile to your face, you will feel the fall stress just melt away.
More: Journey to Inner Peace: How to Live in Harmony with Yourself
4. Find something that makes you love your job
Take a few minutes to think of the things you love about your job. It may be working on particular projects, or doing reports, or even mentoring junior staff. Find something that makes you love your work, and find a way to do more of it. This will help combat fall stress and make you happier and you will be more productive as well.
5. Keep a journal
If you feel down, take a few minutes and write down what makes you feel stressed at work. This will help you to identify whether it’s a certain task, project, or customer, and you will be able to work on controlling that.
Also, write down when you are feeling creative and motivated. You will have enough information to make up the schedule based on how well your brain works at a certain part of the day. You will be more productive and get more done in a day.
6. Don’t run away from your problems
Once you identify the causes of stress at work, start solving them. Schedule a meeting with your manager, and find solutions to the problems. Suggest your solutions and clearly explain the issue. Work towards the solution that will really help you as well as keep everybody happy. It’s not as difficult as it seems.
7. Be ready
Sure, you can’t combat all fall stress, so you should be ready. Make an emergency kit to cope with it, and it will feel much less disastrous. Keep a bottle of water at your desk to stay hydrated and an emergency chocolate bar to give your brain an instant boost. Keeping a nice kitten photo bookmarked is also a great idea.
More: 10 Things to Remind Yourself of Every Morning to Have a Happier Day
8. No more black
Don’t get me wrong. Black is a powerful color, but not for people who suffer from seasonal depression and chronic stress. Wearing bright pieces of clothing is a little step to a happier you in the office.
In my opinion, black brings some kind of negative energy. Try pairing black with some bright pieces, if you can’t cut this color out of your life.
Coping with fall stress can be difficult. In fact, the changing seasons are difficult for everybody, because the cooler days and longer nights are not fun. But try to go easy on yourself and keep your brain happy and productive.
Fall boasts many wonderful things to enjoy, so why not notice at least one beautiful thing right now? A positive mindset can make the dullest days the happiest. Remember it.1