Title: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: andream on November 07, 2001, 10:27:32 am
Here in the UK, it's National Stress Awareness Day, and thus, no better time to discuss the tips and tricks you use as professionals when confronted with office related stress...so snuggle up to your computer screens, light an aroma therapy candle and spill those stress related beans! What stresses you out in the office setting the most and how do you deal with it?
Edited by andream on 07/11/01 09:28 AM.
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: bethalize on November 07, 2001, 01:00:49 pm
The thing that causes me the most stress is when people change their minds over and over again, wasting all the work you've done and making you late.
Saying no to people causes me stress: I hate looking like I'm not a "team player". I'm perfectly happy to help if I have time, but why should I put my work on hold in order to do someone else's - especially when they're not as busy as I am?
Bethalize
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
Saying no to people causes me stress: I hate looking like I'm not a "team player". I'm perfectly happy to help if I have time, but why should I put my work on hold in order to do someone else's - especially when they're not as busy as I am?
Bethalize
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: kittie on November 07, 2001, 01:30:20 pm
It has to be chasing people - you know, when you ask them to do something and give them a deadline, but you'll know you'll still be chasing them for weeks after this. We're all busy but even if you are, you should have the courtesy to tell people and suggest a time when you could do what's required.
Communicate a little - it never hurt anyone, did it?!!
Communicate a little - it never hurt anyone, did it?!!
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: Katie G on November 07, 2001, 02:52:59 pm
Well, the causes of stress are all the usual suspects -- lack of communication, constant changes, etc. To be perfectly honest, I've given myself permission to "hide" in the bathroom for 15 minutes or so when things get ridiculous. I've noticed that those things that are drop-dead emergencies when I'm actually sitting at my desk, suddenly aren't so drop-dead if I'm not right there to jump-to. We have a few "much sound and fury signifying nothing" types around here that just like to see a lot of action.
The other thing I do is remember a quote from a guy I worked with years ago when I was leaving that company. I was feeling bad because they were a good group, but a better opportunity came along and it was time to move on: "You have to remember that no matter where you are in the corporate food chain, that this is all just one big GAME." So some days I sit here and chant to myself, "It's just a game. It's just a game. It's just a game..."
The other thing I do is remember a quote from a guy I worked with years ago when I was leaving that company. I was feeling bad because they were a good group, but a better opportunity came along and it was time to move on: "You have to remember that no matter where you are in the corporate food chain, that this is all just one big GAME." So some days I sit here and chant to myself, "It's just a game. It's just a game. It's just a game..."
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: aberdeensecretaries on November 07, 2001, 03:33:42 pm
If only it were possible to light up an aroma therapy candle.....our health & safety manager advises they are deemed a fire risk, and therefore NOT allowed in the building - shame, but understandable.
Stressed by my immediate bosses reluctance to hear what I have to say on the given matter being referred to at the time, especially when I feel there is most definitely a need for things to be discussed.
Deal with it - well after my initial 5 mins in the privacy of the ladies loo, or a walk around the office to calm down my frustrations.........I go into the DeskDemon.com site and hear what everyone else has gone through!!!!!
Go home at night, have a shower and sing (to myself) - "I'm going to wash that man right out of my hair" - it works.
(That's my way of dealing with it).
Pam
www.Aberdeen-Secretaries.co.uk
DeskDemon Forum Board Staff
Stressed by my immediate bosses reluctance to hear what I have to say on the given matter being referred to at the time, especially when I feel there is most definitely a need for things to be discussed.
Deal with it - well after my initial 5 mins in the privacy of the ladies loo, or a walk around the office to calm down my frustrations.........I go into the DeskDemon.com site and hear what everyone else has gone through!!!!!
Go home at night, have a shower and sing (to myself) - "I'm going to wash that man right out of my hair" - it works.
(That's my way of dealing with it).
Pam
www.Aberdeen-Secretaries.co.uk DeskDemon Forum Board Staff
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: jewels6567 on November 07, 2001, 03:36:28 pm
The worst for me is having to constantly follow-up with people to make sure that they're doing their job. It stresses me out and irritates me that people don't respond and you have to ask over and over and over again and waste my time because they don't have the work ethic to get things done on time (or close to it) or at least respond that they are working on it and get back to me.
Julie
Julie
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: laundryhater on November 07, 2001, 03:44:35 pm
Lots of things here cause me stress, but if I had to pinpoint it to a couple things...
When people (customers and coworkers alike) assume that their procrastination is now my emergency. Wrong!
Arrogant doctors and lawyers who seem to think they are "above" any rules and laws.
How do I cope? When they leave my desk I make jokes about them to my coworkers. It's either laugh or cry and I choose laugh.
When people (customers and coworkers alike) assume that their procrastination is now my emergency. Wrong!
Arrogant doctors and lawyers who seem to think they are "above" any rules and laws.
How do I cope? When they leave my desk I make jokes about them to my coworkers. It's either laugh or cry and I choose laugh.
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: dragonladybug on November 07, 2001, 04:15:14 pm
My best stress reliever? Very loud hard rock/heavy metal music in my car!! Accompanied by drumming/beating on the steering wheel . A ten minute drive with Metallica or Ted Nugent fixes me right up 
.
DLB / Debra
. A ten minute drive with Metallica or Ted Nugent fixes me right up .DLB / Debra
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: mathwhizchick on November 07, 2001, 04:48:11 pm
I have no specific stressors since at some point in each day, I know that SOMETHING will rattle my cage, and it can vary from day to day.
I use meditation and yoga (classes outside of work) to keep me centered and (reasonably) calm, regardless of the stress tossed at me. I've been doing it for about 25 years, so it's fairly second nature to me by now, and I can call up the calming influence quickly.
National Stress Awareness Day, huh? Sounds like something the US ought to adopt...
:)
I use meditation and yoga (classes outside of work) to keep me centered and (reasonably) calm, regardless of the stress tossed at me. I've been doing it for about 25 years, so it's fairly second nature to me by now, and I can call up the calming influence quickly.
National Stress Awareness Day, huh? Sounds like something the US ought to adopt...
:)
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: groucho on November 07, 2001, 05:00:14 pm
Now, if yesterday had been National Stress Awareness Day, I wouldn't have ever known, I was under so much of it! There are a number of things that stress me, and most of them have to do with resolving things that are not in my control, or I know little about! That and people that always have a hand out, ready to take advantage of ANYTHING that will benfit them, but would NEVER do the same for others!That will eat at me, wake me up at night kind of stuff...but what do I do to relieve it? Well, a couple of things....the CD I have of classical harp music, and the other one called "Most Relaxing Classical Music"....you just can't stay too tense when they're playing "Claire de Lune"! That, and of course my imaginary bazooka! It's a known stress reliever!
Have a stress-free, aroma-therapy, chocolate-infused, happy kind of day all!
Daisylee
Have a stress-free, aroma-therapy, chocolate-infused, happy kind of day all!
Daisylee
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: andream on November 07, 2001, 05:03:37 pm
hey! I have an imaginary bazooka here too,,, hell getting shells in the UK though!
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: chris68 on November 07, 2001, 05:29:59 pm
Lots of things stress me out, and it's all those little things and detail things that drive me nutso, and the TIF's (Things I forgot) that always seem to happen to me, frustrate me to NO end.
What I do to relieve stress......of course the music I listen to helps me out alot. It's the one constant thing I can ALWAYS count on, and when I am in a really stressed mode, I HAVE to have a little Randy Travis on hand, and that ALWAYS works with me. Plus I have taken to the gym this year to get into better shape and a better piece of mind. Aerobics on a Monday after work does wonders for stress reliever, especially since we do alot of punches and the ole stand up punching bags that we kick and punch too are always great! Just getting my mind off the day and working on myself really does help!
Chris68
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
What I do to relieve stress......of course the music I listen to helps me out alot. It's the one constant thing I can ALWAYS count on, and when I am in a really stressed mode, I HAVE to have a little Randy Travis on hand, and that ALWAYS works with me. Plus I have taken to the gym this year to get into better shape and a better piece of mind. Aerobics on a Monday after work does wonders for stress reliever, especially since we do alot of punches and the ole stand up punching bags that we kick and punch too are always great! Just getting my mind off the day and working on myself really does help!
Chris68
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: deedeeb on November 07, 2001, 05:33:26 pm
I find the best thing for stress is to soak in a nice, hot bath....I've been in here since Friday!!!!
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: radaro on November 07, 2001, 05:34:41 pm
Last night my stress releasor was my 3 year old son. He fell asleep in the car on the way home from daycare. Instead of waking him up when I got home, I carried him into the house and sat in the rocking chair with him asleep in my lap. We must have sat like that for 30 or more minutes. After that, I was totally calm.
Other de-stressors:
- blowing bubbles with my kids in the backyard. It might be the fact that you are taking deep breaths but it is very relaxing.
- long, long bath - sometimes with just candles for lighting and soft music
- hot cocoa and a good book. I am currently reading Sense and Sensibility.
- and for immediate stress relief from "stupid" people, using my thumb and forefinger to squish people's heads (like Kids in the Hall)
Other de-stressors:
- blowing bubbles with my kids in the backyard. It might be the fact that you are taking deep breaths but it is very relaxing.
- long, long bath - sometimes with just candles for lighting and soft music
- hot cocoa and a good book. I am currently reading Sense and Sensibility.
- and for immediate stress relief from "stupid" people, using my thumb and forefinger to squish people's heads (like Kids in the Hall)
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: whitesatin on November 07, 2001, 05:48:19 pm
A nice long ride home from work, listening to the radio. Walk through the door, strip, put on my bathing suit, grab a towel, head out onto the deck, light the tikki torches, grab a cold beer and sink into my hot tub with the jets on.....AAAHHHH!!!
WhiteSatin
WhiteSatin Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: countrigal on November 07, 2001, 06:53:22 pm
When it all gets to me (work, home, school, etc) and I just can't continue without a complete destressor -- I go for a long, quiet walk in the country. Preferably where there is no traffic, no roads, no houses, nothing but me, the animals, and nature at large. Then I just go where my feet take me, letting my mind float free from topic to topic. If I feel like singing, I sing, whatever comes to mind to whatever tune bubbles up. I might not sing good, but it's a voice of nature and only God and the animals are listening so it doesn't bother me. It's like I'm laying all my stress, problems, woes at His feet and when I walk away I feel so much better, so much lighter.
For "quick fixes" between these deep spells, I take long baths (about 1 a week, with relaxing candles, soft bubblebath smells, soft country music - older stuff, and no puppies or husband allowed to disturb me for 1 hour). Or Hubby and I go out to a local club and socialize with friends, have a little drink, lots of laughter, good food, good company. Or a nice quiet evening at home with hubby and the puppies where he does the cooking and cleaning. At work - take a deep breathe, smile and smile and smile, vent a bit on here or to a co-worker who's not involved, and then smile some more.
CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member
For "quick fixes" between these deep spells, I take long baths (about 1 a week, with relaxing candles, soft bubblebath smells, soft country music - older stuff, and no puppies or husband allowed to disturb me for 1 hour). Or Hubby and I go out to a local club and socialize with friends, have a little drink, lots of laughter, good food, good company. Or a nice quiet evening at home with hubby and the puppies where he does the cooking and cleaning. At work - take a deep breathe, smile and smile and smile, vent a bit on here or to a co-worker who's not involved, and then smile some more.
CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: ozbound on November 07, 2001, 07:05:58 pm
What stresses me out most at work right now are 2 things. The 1st is an ongoing issue, I doubt it'll ever get fixed: My workload is either feast or famine. Most weeks I can sit here twiddling my thumbs Monday, Tuesday, sometimes Wed. Come Thursday and Friday everyone needs their stuff done ASAP! I want to say "Where were you yesterday when I was bored?" Drives me nutz.
The 2nd thing is much more subtle but maybe you've noticed it too: the atmosphere around here has been gradually changing since Sept. 11th. People seem a little more tense, the exuberant and optimistic spirit we've seen all through the past year is somewhat dampened. And there are little things, like people not going out to lunch as often, not as many goodies sitting about (not that that hurts my waistlaine any!) - stuff like that. It's not nearly so bad, I'm sure, as it is in companies where they're experiencnig significant cutbacks (and not nearly as bad as it was in '99 when we had layoffs, pay-freezes and next-to-no Xmas bonuses!) but there's an uncertainty in the air nonetheless. Still, I think we should count our blessings--I do every day..
What do I do about stress? Exercise! Particularly yoga & meditation--I do some yoga at my desk and I have a new program I taped off the Oxygen channel that I look forward to doing a few times a week. That helps a lot! My screensaver @ work now says "Namaste" so every time I see it I'm reminded to stop, stretch & take a deeeeep breath. Aah!
The 2nd thing is much more subtle but maybe you've noticed it too: the atmosphere around here has been gradually changing since Sept. 11th. People seem a little more tense, the exuberant and optimistic spirit we've seen all through the past year is somewhat dampened. And there are little things, like people not going out to lunch as often, not as many goodies sitting about (not that that hurts my waistlaine any!) - stuff like that. It's not nearly so bad, I'm sure, as it is in companies where they're experiencnig significant cutbacks (and not nearly as bad as it was in '99 when we had layoffs, pay-freezes and next-to-no Xmas bonuses!) but there's an uncertainty in the air nonetheless. Still, I think we should count our blessings--I do every day..
What do I do about stress? Exercise! Particularly yoga & meditation--I do some yoga at my desk and I have a new program I taped off the Oxygen channel that I look forward to doing a few times a week. That helps a lot! My screensaver @ work now says "Namaste" so every time I see it I'm reminded to stop, stretch & take a deeeeep breath. Aah!
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: ocblnd on November 07, 2001, 08:55:23 pm
Laundryhater.....here are two perfect quotes for THEIR Emergencies.....
'Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part!"
'Your emergency is not my priority!'
I have both of these posted on the wall in my cubicle (not necessarily where they can be seen by all) and refer to them frequently 
'Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part!"
'Your emergency is not my priority!'
I have both of these posted on the wall in my cubicle (not necessarily where they can be seen by all) and refer to them frequently
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: donnap99 on November 07, 2001, 10:33:47 pm
Y'all can figure outthe specifics... suffice it to say that I sit closest to the copier.... Most folks know now though that it's not my machine, it just hapens to be close to me. How do I blow off steam? After they leave put out more copies of the little note about where to call for service, the ID#, and the statement "there is no key operator for this machine." Either that or I just close my door! ;)
I don't let work stress really get to me - or I try - I save up the good stress for dk-related problems. I've been told that I'm very calm. Sometimes I wonder, though, if I'm just going to blow up and lose it one day, since I don't conciously let things get to me.
...running on 4 hours sleep for the 2nd night this week, and goin' home!
DonnaP99
I don't let work stress really get to me - or I try - I save up the good stress for dk-related problems. I've been told that I'm very calm. Sometimes I wonder, though, if I'm just going to blow up and lose it one day, since I don't conciously let things get to me.
...running on 4 hours sleep for the 2nd night this week, and goin' home!
DonnaP99
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: groucho on November 07, 2001, 10:34:53 pm
Andrea,
Do you supposed if I sent the heavy artillery shells coated in Hershey's chocolate, it would get through customs, thus serving a dual purpose?
Daisylee (Tracy) always looking to kill two birds with one bazooka!
Do you supposed if I sent the heavy artillery shells coated in Hershey's chocolate, it would get through customs, thus serving a dual purpose?
Daisylee (Tracy) always looking to kill two birds with one bazooka!
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: countrigal on November 07, 2001, 10:56:09 pm
Tracy, I like that idea! 
Donna, I can fill your pain. The copier sits right across the desk from me (it sucks!) and everyone always assumes that I can fix it, that it's my job to watch their copies while they run down the hall after someone, etc. Heck, I love it when I'm on a phone call - very important and confidential - and they come in, see me on the phone, and start making their 50 copies, front and back!!!!!
just makes me [smoking] 
.
Ok... done venting. I'm calm now... back to work.
CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member
Donna, I can fill your pain. The copier sits right across the desk from me (it sucks!) and everyone always assumes that I can fix it, that it's my job to watch their copies while they run down the hall after someone, etc. Heck, I love it when I'm on a phone call - very important and confidential - and they come in, see me on the phone, and start making their 50 copies, front and back!!!!!
just makes me [smoking] .Ok... done venting. I'm calm now... back to work.
CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: bethalize on November 07, 2001, 11:53:40 pm
Actually, coming here and posting about it is the best way of coping with stress that I've found. It really helps to share with people who understand.
Bethalize
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
Bethalize
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: catsmeat on November 08, 2001, 10:25:21 am
Why oh why oh why didn't I have these to hand about five months ago ...... I worked for a team of salesmen all over the UK, meaning that when some came to head office they had to stay overnight. One in particular was quite open about how if he had to stay down, he might as well do some work in the evenings, and if he was going to work, I could too! Constant reminders that I had a home, a partner and a life were like water off a duck's back. And the number of times that my staying late was justified by "it" being an emergency, for which read: something he forgot to do ....
Needless to say, in my last session of work for him, I let rip. I asked who the ***** did he think he was impinging on my own time, and told him he'd better start sorting his workload out now, as there was no way my successor would be able to cope with the amount of nonsense he and his colleagues dealt out.
Result? One somewhat startled manager (I was known for never resorting to bad language)! And I felt somewhat better too!
Needless to say, in my last session of work for him, I let rip. I asked who the ***** did he think he was impinging on my own time, and told him he'd better start sorting his workload out now, as there was no way my successor would be able to cope with the amount of nonsense he and his colleagues dealt out.
Result? One somewhat startled manager (I was known for never resorting to bad language)! And I felt somewhat better too!
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: andream on November 08, 2001, 11:13:14 am
hmmm, doubtful about getting shells thru customs even coated in chocoate, I shall have to make do with the sound of Star Trek Phaser fire on my desktop,,, which I use frequently of late....
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: whitesatin on November 09, 2001, 04:32:19 pm
Andrea,
Seeing as you managed to get that big bazooka through security, getting the shells through should be a piece of cake.
WhiteSatin
Seeing as you managed to get that big bazooka through security, getting the shells through should be a piece of cake.
WhiteSatin Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: groucho on November 09, 2001, 04:56:53 pm
Hmmmm.....imaginary bazooka, imaginary shells....IMAGINARY customs with agents that have the "artillery and ammunition" exceptions declaration for Administrative Assistants! Now don't that put a smile on your face!
Daisylee (Tracy)
(It's the imaginary howitzer we might have a few problems with)
Daisylee (Tracy)
(It's the imaginary howitzer we might have a few problems with)
Title: Re: National Stress Awareness Day
Post by: countrigal on November 09, 2001, 07:12:08 pm
Tracy, How'd you know I needed that visualization/laugh today?! Thanks for the destresser!!CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member