Keep Your Cool in the Workplace

Having a career, co-workers, and customers means that you have a particular kind of stress as a professional woman. We all have stress in our lives, but unlike much of the stress in other areas of our lives, stress in the workplace is often based on the expectations of others.

With that in mind, it's important that you find healthy and productive ways to channel that stress. You'll also want to lower your stress in the first place. When you deal with all sorts of people daily, including negative people, this becomes even more important to your sense of peace and well-being at work.

When it comes to your career, focusing on making money and advancing your profession are both more important than the latest office politics or gossip. To be accepted, a lot of people try to be part of the group. Yet this often leads to getting little accomplished during the workday.

When you set a good example by not partaking in the gossip, you lead instead of follow. You can show your co-workers that you care and still be accepted by them, while avoiding frivolous activities during work hours. Such leadership cuts down on your stress, encourages a more positive environment in your workplace, and can even lead to promotions!  

Instead of worrying about acceptance, focus on the following:

1. Remind yourself why you work and what your goals for the future are.

2. Breathe slowly and deeply so you can stay calm. Mindful meditation can help you with this.

3. Leave stress at the office, where it belongs. Learn to compartmentalize and not bring it home.

4. Take a lunch hour and stretch breaks, even if you're busy. You need time to unwind.

5. Get some exercise, even if it's just getting up from your desk and stretching periodically.

Remember, for someone to stress you out, get you angry, or make you feel inferior, you have to give them permission to do so. Learn to respond, not react. Rather than give someone a chance to make you feel bad, ignore what others do and concentrate on the things that matter to you. If others at the office talk about you because of this, what does it matter? Your career goals are more important.

The direction your thoughts take is often the direction your life takes. When you keep moving forward and focus on the things that matter to you instead of thinking about what everyone else is doing, you're able to get more accomplished. If you're only focusing on your work and future, you have a lot less to be stressed out about.

Take time for yourself, too. Make time away from work to de-stress by doing things you find relaxing. Relaxing in your personal time off the job also helps you keep your job stress at bay.

Most of all, keep things simple. Focus on solutions instead of problems, take deep breaths, and remain calm. You can learn to respond calmly and effectively in the workplace. When you do, your productivity will soar as your stress melts away. Keep your cool and remain focused on what’s most important, your career goals and peace of mind.