Sustainable living: tips for working under stress

In this difficult economy, you may find it harder than ever to cope with challenges on the job. In our professional consulting, we're hearing how employers, managers, and workers feel the pressure of performing in today's economic climate. We're also hearing about the escalating stress levels accompanying these pressures.

We're all familiar with the health related issues associated with stress. A component of living a sustainable lifestyle is living stress free. As sustainability consultants, here are a few stress reducing steps we have offered to our clients.

Improve your time management and organizational skills
Take regular breaks: walk around, get movement in your body and breathe deep
Check out the ergonomics at your desk and make sure your body is in proper alignment
Select healthy food choices and drink more water
Sleep at least 7 hours a day
Reduce distractions: TV, radio, blackberry, and so forth
Prioritize and break down work into manageable chunks
Improve your environment: place a plant, pictures or inspirational messages on your desk
Focus your attention on positive things going on in your life and talk only of that

Most of all, when we are feeling stressed, a moment of quiet recognition that we are doing our best and reviewing that day's list of accomplishments is like sunlight to a growing flower. Appreciate yourself.