Five Simple Ways to Help you Make it Through your Awful 9-5

I published I Want Out!! in the beginning of April.  If you haven’t read it yet, go do so now.  Since then, other than working diligently on Financial Methods, with hopes that I will soon be reaching a larger audience and can create something of value that I can be proud of, I have been searching for ways to make it through my long and tedious weekdays.  While teetering on what seems to be the brink of insanity, these simple exercises help me keep my composure in stressful and/or unbearable moments at work.

1)Deep Breathing-

It seems so simple, and it is.  When you are stressed or angry, take one minute.   Find a quiet place and breathe in and out deeply.  Even if you are walking right back into the same minefield that you just left, chances are that your blood pressure will lessen and you will feel better when facing the angry mob or your idiotic boss.

2)Get Outta Dodge-

If at all possible, leave for lunch.  Hang out with friends or take the time for yourself.  I leave the office EVERY DAY during lunch, even if it is just to sit in the car and enjoy the deep and mellowing voice of Mr. Dan Patrick. The fresh air is always welcome, even if it is pouring outside. If you find yourself laughing with friends or can relax in a work-free area, it will shorten the rest of your day and more importantly, it will refresh you before enduring the buzz saw that is the second half of your day.

3)Focus on What is Coming up After Work-

Thinking about what I have to do at home or what I am doing on the weekend helps take my mind off of the calls, customers and superiors nagging me to no end.  This may not work for everyone, depending on the situation at home.  If you have no escape, it is really time for a big life change.

4)Stretch-

If you are stuck in a cubicle or make a lot of repetitive motions throughout the day, when you take a break or just need a minute of “me time”, stretch yourself out.  Concentrate on the neck, legs and torso, as this is where the most stress is felt in the body.

5)Immerse Yourself in your Work-

This may be awful, but it also may speed up your day.  I find that if I get caught up in my work, the day flies by and I often feel better about my work at the end of the day.  Find a project or task that you will enjoy, and dive right in.  There is a reason this method is last on the list, but it should be tried nonetheless.

Tagged as: employment, making money, office, work