Resistant to Change? Breaking Free from Routine
It’s a funny thing, how each day seems to blend into the next. How without even realizing it, we tend to fall into the same patterns, the same routines, and the same dynamics. The truth is, we’re creatures of habit, whether we realize it or not. We find safety, comfort really, in knowing what’s going to happen next- what to expect in our world.
Don’t believe me? Take a step back and look at your life. Chances are, even with the slight variations that come with the reality of our day to day worlds, you hold the same basic routines, carry out the same dynamics within your relationships, and perhaps even unconsciously seek out the same types of people in your life.
The Secret to Staying Focused Under Pressure
Athletes train their bodies to run faster, jump higher, throw farther — so why don’t they train their minds, too? Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson talks about the power of “neutral thinking,” which helps him thrive under pressure (both on the field and off) — and shows how you can use this mindset to make the right moves in your own life.
Another Workplace Crisis: Loneliness
Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, says that even before the Covid-19 pandemic, we were facing another health crisis: loneliness. Studies show that, around the world, more people have been feeling a greater sense of social isolation, which has many negative affects, including increased blood pressure, reduced immune response, and decreased engagement and productivity at work. But organizations can be a place where people find a greater sense of belonging. Murthy wants us to take loneliness more seriously and focus on fostering the types of authentic connections — face-to-face and virtual — that we need to combat it. He’s the author of the book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World.
9 Simple Ways to Deal With Stress at Work
According to research, the percentage of Americans who are stressed at work is high, and it’s only getting higher. According to the CDC’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, studies have found the number of Americans who are “extremely stressed at work” range between 29 percent to 40 percent.
Unfortunately, work stress has significant health consequences that range from the relatively benign—more colds and flu—to the more serious, like heart disease and metabolic syndrome. But, because stress at work is so common, finding a low-stress job may be difficult or impossible for many people. A more realistic choice would be to simply adopt more effective strategies to reduce stress at work. Here are some stress management techniques to try.
