How to lower tension at work

Is there a lot of tension at your place of work? Do you dread hearing the flack about the boss, potential job losses or how bad the economy is?

If so, try to take the lead in cooling some of the tension. Keep in mind that a bad situation cannot be managed by negative talk and feeling down.

Here are some tips for lowering tension at work and to put those stress management skills in use:

• Be the leader on cooling stress. How? Act and speak in ways that tell others this: “I am a problem- solving individual who brings stability to the group.” You’ll feel more powerful when you act more powerfully.

• Pick up on your own stupidity. For example, if you weigh 115 pounds and you thrive on making fat jokes, realise the pain you’re targeting to a co-worker who is overweight.

• Show respect when you’d rather scream. If someone is acting whiny or a little crazy, put an emotional arm around this person. You might be the only person who ever shows concern for his or her feelings.

• Use positive language to ground people. Tell others, “Sure, our finances may be rocky, but we have to create some options. I think we can manage just fine - if we do what’s really going to help.”

Language can heal, uplift and encourage creative solutions. Who knows how many people you can influence, if you exude emotional maturity. Besides, when you behave in ways that make others feel better, you affect your own mental health.

Were these of help? What else do you think should be a part of the list? Do let us know in the comments below!

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