Stress Management Article: Five Instant Ways to Reduce Environmental
Stress - Part One
by Ed Sykes
Life is stressful enough
without allowing the physical environment - air quality, lighting, noise, and
other controllable factors - to intensify day-to-day stress. Especially in the
Fall and Winter is where you experience less daylight and more mood swings.
The great thing about
environmental stress is that in most cases we can control what is in our
environment that is causing the stress. Take these five steps to eliminate
environmental stressors that might cause stress and tension in your work and
home life.
1.
Increase your activities during natural light.
Natural light elevates the mood and helps maintain a regular internal body
"clock". Especially during the fall and winter we experience a substantial
decrease in natural daylight. If you're indoors, try working next to a window
and allow as much sunlight as possible to enter your space. If you work in an
office without windows try buying a natural sunlight lamp (http://www.wackyplanet.com/natsunlam.html).
These lamps can
help with Seasonal Affective Disorders as they provide a natural sunlight
spectrum for health and well being.
Prolonged exposure to
artificial lighting in any setting can be an environmental stressor.
2.
Ban tobacco smoke.
Constant exposure to tobacco
smoke and its toxins can be a persistent environmental stressor and lead to
respiratory problems and other symptoms.
3.
Evaluate your furniture arrangement.
Arrange your furniture so
that you don’t feel cramped. Remember you are more productive in a relaxed
environment. Also, is your furniture arranged so that you inviting constant
interruptions from visitors? If you can, move your furniture from the line of
sight of potential visitors so that you can focus better, accomplish your goals,
and decrease stress.
4.
Frequently Change Your Ventilation or Air Filters.
Your
office or home is full of ingredients found in cleaning supplies, upholstery,
carpeting, adhesives, and in chemicals. Devices such as copy machines, printers
and computers all contribute to poor air quality. Combine that with working in
an office building where you can’t open windows it makes the situation ten times
worst for the occupants. In extreme cases, individuals may become physically
ill from these pollutants, and even moderate doses can cause coughing, a
scratchy, burning throat, and other symptoms.
If you are concerned about
poor air quality in the office speak with the building maintenance crew and see
how often they change the air filters. In most cases, if you explain in a
friendly why you are concerned they will make an extra effort to change at least
the filter in your area. Also you can buy a personal air filtration kit at any
appliance store to make your life easier. Open windows At home to allow air
circulation. Also frequently change your home air filter.
5.
“Bring the Green In.”
This
is a term my wife, Joy Fisher-Sykes, uses to say that natural colors make us
more relaxed. Color has effect on your mood and energy level. It is generally
agreed that blue and green are very relaxing colors. On a personal basis these
might not be the colors that relax you. You decide on the amount of color
you're comfortable with and the shades that most appeal to you. For example,
bright yellow would tend to irritate me it may work just fine for others because
of its brightness. Experiment with colors that will work to minimize stress for
you.
Remember, these are all
environmental factor that you can change to work for you. Just recognize what
works for you and take the first steps to decrease stress.
Want to
learn stress management techniques to control your stress? The following stress
relief programs can help you relax, take more
control over your stress, and achieve your goals:
How to Control Stress and Master Your Life
Time Management Techniques for Success
Mastering Your Attitude for Positive Results
Call us at
757-427-7032 or e-mail us at
info@thesykesgrp.com.
Suggested reading:
Take Time to Create a Life Balance Sheet for Success
Words to Live By – Six Ways to
Breathe Life into Your Day
It’s the Most Wonderful
Gift of the Year
Five Ways to Reduce
Environmental Stress (Part Two)
Set Yourself
Stress-Free
Set Yourself Free
Ed Sykes is a
professional speaker published in the areas of leadership, change management,
stress management,
customer service and teamwork. He works with business and government
organizations who want to reach the next level of success and individuals who
want to perform at their best. You can email him at esykes@thesykesgrp.com,
call him at (757) 427-7032 or visit his Web site at
www.thesykesgrp.com.
We offer
this article on a nonexclusive basis. You may reprint or repost this material as
long as the author's name and Edward Sykes' name and contact information are
included:
esykes@thesykesgrp.com / (757) 427-7032/
www.thesykesgrp.com.
