5 Ways To Get Through A Stressful Workday

A stressful workday can be crippling. We’ve all been there before: something just isn’t going right, or perhaps you’re just not in the mood, and from there everything seems to snowball. Small challenges can seem big, basic productivity can become a challenge, and you can become exhausted or irritable. It’s perfectly natural that this should happen occasionally, but it’s also a good idea to have some tools in your back pocket as to how you can go about dealing with it. SO without further ado, here are five tips for how to making things better during a stressful day at work.

1. Stop & Write A List

Writing a list might sound a little bit stressful in and of itself when we’re talking about the idea of feeling overwhelmed. But it can actually be helpful. An article on “mastering the art” of the to-do list described it about like we would: as an age-old productivity tool, valuable even if they often wind up not being completed. When you’re feeling stressed out or too busy at work, consider literally sliding your chair back, turning aside, and writing out a list, either on paper or your phone, of what your top priorities are to get through the day. It serves two functions: first, you get to disengage for a few moments from the actual work and catch your breath, and second you can give yourself a minimalist, sensible plan of attack for the remaining hours of the day.

2. Take It Home

This might not be an option, depending on your job. That said, more and more occupations and industries allow people to work from home, at least some of the time. Even if you don’t make an ordinary habit out of it, this can be a great way to change up a rough day at work. Note: this isn’t a suggestion to merely take the day off (which can lead to more frustration later on). Rather, it’s just a chance to get away from the office, decompress, and resume work at home in a more comfortable environment.

3. Try Breathing Techniques

This is a common idea, and it’s one that may have been best explained in a piece written just last month about how gamers can stay focused. That piece quoted a poker psychologist commenting on frustration and anger, noting that anger can prevent us from making logical decisions. The solutions that followed involved various breathing techniques (such as deep breathing, Sama Vritti, and the increasingly popular “alternate nostril breathing”). These techniques really can help us to ease away from the anger and frustration that come with high-stress situations, such that we can avoid those issues with logical decision-making.

4. Treat Yourself

There was an article by Bustle that listed tips for surviving “a super long work day,” and we couldn’t help but notice two of them basically involved getting away from the desk and having a treat. One was to bring snacks, and the other was to schedule in coffee breaks. Together, these speak to the idea of getting away from your desk when you start to feel stressed, and possibly getting out of the office altogether. Head to a common area or walk to a café down the street, have yourself a coffee and/or small snack, and make your way back. It’s a reasonable break, and it can totally recharge you.

5. Let It Out

You don’t want to complain too much – and probably not at all to your boss or any other superiors – but there’s no harm in letting it be known that you’re having a rough day. Maybe you can vent to a co-worker over lunch, or if you’re allowed to have a chat up on your computer or use your phone to text, you can even talk to a friend and let out some frustration. It can be cathartic, and in fact can even make the situation feel a little more amusing and a little less permanent. You could be back in a productive mode in no time.

Searching for a new career?

“What is the right career for me?” is the question people ask themselves when they are at a crossroad in their lives. While doing what one loves is the best way to choose a career, not everyone may be given the opportunity to do so especially if the chosen career can’t pay the bills or provide for the family. Most people would just dive into what is laid before them. The sad thing is that they are doing the things that they do not even like. But the reality of it all, most people spend 20 years or so before finding the right career for them. So if you are in the verge of choosing the right career, here are the things that you can do.

Self-assessment

Before immersing in a chosen profession, it is best to assess yourself. The factors that you need to consider are your skills, values, personal traits and interests. Also, you need to consider what you are passionate about, the kind of lifestyle you want, religious beliefs and ethical guidelines, people you want to work with and the kind of service or product that you want to contribute in the society. Most importantly, you need to assess yourself whether you’d want to continue to work for other people or be your own boss in the future.

Seeking help

Knowing yourself is great but it may also be a great idea to seek help from a career counselor especially if you have just graduated from college. They can help you in evaluating your skills and interests. If paying for the career counselor isn’t an option for you, search the internet for free career assessment tools. If you have experienced working already, ask the people whom you have worked with for honest feedback of your strengths and weaknesses. These people may give you insights on what they think you can improve on, do less and on how you can be more productive in the future.

Building up

Improve on the skills that you already have. If you love what you are currently doing, continue doing it and perhaps, develop them into a higher level. For example, if you are good in public speaking, look for a job that would allow you to use such skill. This way, you can be better at it. Also, it doesn’t hurt to learn new skills too. For example, if you are keen in learning how to graphics design but you are not a computer techie, enroll in short courses or learn from free video tutorials online. Try to learn as much as you can and when you can. As you go along, you’ll surely be good at it with constant practice.

Job search

When you have listed down all the possible careers that you can pursue based on the factors you have considered, you can do a job search. Apply for jobs which you think that best suit you and the can help you sharpen your skills. It doesn’t matter if your skillsets are in a beginner stage, what matters most is that you are willing to take on the challenges and improve on them over time.

Building your network

In this day and age where technology plays a major role in choosing a career path, building a wide network will help you find the career right for you. There are several networking sites such as LinkedIn and Indeed, etc. that can help you connect to people that have the same interests and skills like you do. In these sites, you can also get invited to different events and job opportunities. You could also find people that can mentor and help you build your career. Building up a solid network may take a while, but once you have built these networks, these people can also become your future clients too.

Stay up to date

You need to be up-to-date on the development and news on the industry you want to be in. By keeping yourself updated, you’ll know job vacancies that you may be able to fill in. Continue to search for new possibilities but be careful not to jump from one job to the other.

Finding the right career takes time especially for those people who are troubled with possible constraints that hinder them from doing they really want to do. What is important in the process is that you are enjoying what you do and it makes you find your true purpose that will also inspire others around you.

 

5 Helpful Tips to Make a Good First Impression at a Job Interview

You have already passed the exam, been shortlisted and contacted by the human resources department. The only stumbling block that stands in the way of you being hired – the job interview. This is a make or break kind of thing for most job applicants.

Needless to say, it is very important to make a good first impression. However, a minor hiccup before or during the interview can result in a major disappointment and cost you your dream job. To avoid this scenario, I will share five helpful tips to make a good first impression at a job interview.

1. Don’t be late.

Punctuality is a quality that prospective employers will be looking out for, especially during a job interview. If you arrive late, it sends the signal that you’re unreliable and not paying attention to details.

To prevent this from ever happening, familiarize yourself with the venue and determine how much time you’ll need to get there. Also, go to bed early the night before the interview. It will ensure that both body and mind are well-rested so you can wake up on time.

2. Dress appropriately.

When deciding on what clothes to wear, take into consideration the position you’re applying for. The way you dress represents how you carry and present yourself. Showing up properly dressed is an indication of your professionalism and shows that you are taking the application process seriously. Don’t overdress; don’t underdress either.

If you’re eyeing an office-based job, wear business attire. Dress as if you are making a presentation or meeting with an important client. For other jobs, the attire should be appropriate for the position you’re applying for. Whatever clothes you plan to wear, make sure that it looks neat and presentable. The clothes shouldn’t be too tight or too revealing. Avoid wearing too much jewelry or strong perfume.

3. Be honest.

There’s a saying, “Honesty is the best policy.” Although some may argue that concealing “some information” is necessary when applying for a job, it’s advisable to be truthful in all your declarations. Lying about your educational background or academic achievements is a big no-no.

Even if you are hired on the back of these misrepresentations, there is a strong possibility that you will be kicked out when management finds about it later. For all you know, the HR staff might call your references or look at your social media profiles. Tell your interviewer that what you lack in knowledge or skills, you can make up by being diligent, resourceful, and willing to learn.

4. Be kind and respectful to everyone.

It’s important to show kindness to everyone you’ll meet. Be kind to receptionists, security officers, executive assistants, and other employees in the company. After all, they may be the same people you‘ll encounter every day in case you get hired.

As a “guest”, you are expected to show your best behavior. Don’t act as if you own the place. For instance, don’t chat loudly with your seatmate while others are being interviewed. Wait patiently for your turn; don’t act like you’re bored. Remember, you may already be evaluated even if you’re still waiting in the lounge. During the interview proper, remember to be respectful to the person you’re talking to. If the one in front of you is the HR manager, address that person as sir or madam.

5. Show interest and enthusiasm.

To create a good impression, show that you’re interested and enthusiastic about the job. Be positive about the whole thing and enjoy the experience. Smile, be alert in processing questions the interviewer is asking, and be definitive in giving your answers. Prepare by researching about the company and practicing how to respond to common interview questions.

Convince the interviewer that you are the right person for the job. Highlight your accomplishments while working in your previous job. If you are a fresh graduate, emphasize your achievements as a student, both in academics and extracurricular activities.

Conclusion

With so many to choose from, employers can be choosy when they hire. These tips on how to make a good first impression at a job interview cannot guarantee that you will get the job, but they can definitely get you a little closer. First impressions can shape perceptions of professional competence. Those who perform well during this stage will gain the upper hand over the competition.

With preparation and the right attitude, you’ll be able to do things right and come out with flying colors. Making a good impression can, and will, help you secure more job offers in the future. And that might just be your key to your dream career. This is probably your best opportunity to land a job, so give it all you’ve got. Good luck!