NEWS YOU CAN USE
Master Stress with Humor
Discover the many ways you can experience greater joy and incorporate humor into your life at aath.org.
Although the concept of mastering stress may sound daunting, there are proven ways to enhance our ability to effectively manage daily stressors, become more resilient in dealing with life’s challenges, increase energy and boost productivity.
Here are a few additional ways you can thrive and keep stress and overwhelm at bay:
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Many of us start our day by checking email which can be a huge source of stress! Implement the “4D” approach of email decision-making by categorizing your new emails into one of the four categories below:
- DELETE – Which of your daily emails can be deleted immediately?
- DO – Respond immediately only if the email is urgent or important and can be done quickly.
- DELEGATE – Can someone else deal with it?
- DEFER – Is this something I need to handle after my main priorities of the day are met?
Breathe Easier
A quick and simple way to counteract the “fight or flight” stress response is by taking a few, slow deep breathes. This brings more oxygen to the brain and evokes the body’s relaxation response. The best part is that it can be done from anywhere at any time.
Get Outdoors
Now that it’s spring and we have more daylight and (hopefully) warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to get outside and get some fresh air. Squeeze in a quick walk, go for a long hike, or dust your bike off for a scenic adventure. All are great ways to energize our bodies and our minds and alleviate stress.
Stay Connected
Many of us found it difficult to prioritize our social and professional relationships over the past couple of years. We’ve discovered new ways to stay connected through technology, but it hasn’t been easy. The need for human interaction and a sense of belonging are important to our mental well-being. Be sure you leave time to spend with loved ones, call a friend, volunteer, or join in on a fun activity happening in your community.
On that note, we are thrilled to be back in-person for our WWCMA22 Annual Conference on May 5 in Needham, MA!