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BPA offers tips on reducing stress

Reprinted from Business Psychology Associates
Idaho’s Employee Assistance Program provider
The harmful effects of living a life full of stress are well-known to us all: a weakened immune system, migraine headaches, depression, anxiety, high blood-pressure, intestinal problems. The question that begs an answer is “what can I do? It won’t go away!!”
Here’s a tip that won’t cost you a dime or anymore time: Pause.

At a time when work seem to be doubling, children and families keep coming around with new and different demands, and bills need to be paid, you may be wondering how you can possibly afford to take a break. The truth is, your effectiveness increases significantly when you leave time in between demands for renewal. Weightlifters know to leave a day between working certain muscle groups, marathon runners alternate intense periods of running with light jogs, and artists are well-aware of the creativity that comes when they leave their canvass alone.

We recommend the following strategies for finding time to pause

• Clear away the clutter in your workspace, family time and alone time to reveal quiet and reflection.
• Plan to use the liberated moments for renewal and refreshment. Resist the temptation to fill your free time with worry and nagging guilt that you’re “not doing something.” There will always be something to fill an open space if you allow it to happen.
• Ask yourself “If I don’t do it now, will it still get done?”
• Find your comfort level in silent time alone.
• Plant a garden this spring and tend it very slowly every evening.
• Smile as you accomplish your work. Joy produces vital energy.

You will also want to practice leaving work at work and home at home. Carrying our concerns, worries, and regrets around with us from one place to another is of little value. The different settings will eventually reveal to you the opportunity to change your mind.

Make work a break from home and home a break from work!

On-line article
BPA Web site, visit