Dr. Rippe's Blog

As the slow economy drags on, most people are feeling more stress at work these days. Uncertain times can increase anxiety about job security and possible layoffs even if you are reasonably sure that your job is secure. Reduced work forces can increase the work load on remaining workers. Hanging on to the job you have rather than seeking advancement may also be stressful. Whatever the reasons for work-related stress, there are at least three things you can do to better manage.

• Stay active physically. Getting regular physical activity has been shown repeatedly to help improve mood and reduce stress. It's also a visible way to remind yourself that you are doing something important for yourself.
• Stick with a healthy diet. Feeling stressed-out may make us reach for calorie-laden comfort foods and snacks. You'll feel better if you stay on track with balanced eating. If you really do need a few more snacks, keep fruit and other nutrient-rich (not calorie rich) foods handy.
• Get plenty of sleep and rest. Worry can lead to sleepless nights. But getting enough sleep can help you cope better.  Regular physical activity and eating right can help you sleep better. Also go slow on alcoholic beverages.

These three practices can be a great foundation for better coping with work-related stress (or any kind of stress). For more insights and tips, Stress at Work from HelpGuide.org has good information.

One thing about mounting stress, particularly that arising from hassles and frustrations in our daily lives at work and at home, is that stress often tends totip sheet on managing anger  trigger anger in response. Signs can range from inner frustration to snapping out loud at coworkers and family to verbal fights and much more.

Learning to let go anger, not to stuff it, can be one of the best life skills we can acquire. And that we can help our children acquire. If you find things getting to you, this from the Mayo Clinic staff may offer a helpful starting place to getting a handle on it.

Are you typically a glass-half-empty or a glass-half-full person? Research suggests that positive thinking and positive self-talk can help us better manage stress, while more negative thinking or negative self-talk can exacerbate the effects of stress.

Self-talk describes the thoughts about ourselves that run continuously in our heads. Often we may not be aware of such thoughts; however, they reflect not only our attitudes about events (and our role in them) but also help shape our response to those events and to other people.

The good news is that if you lean towards negative thinking¿and I think most everyone does from time to time¿you need not be stuck there. There are effective techniques you can use to examine your approach and to make more positive choices. Take a few minutes to check out Positive thinking: Reduce stress, enjoy life more from the professionals at the Mayo Clinic.