Life is stressful enough without allowing
the physical environment - air quality, lighting, noise,
and other controllable factors - to intensify day-to-day
stress. Especially in the Fall and Winter is where you experience
less daylight and more mood swings.
The great thing about environmental stress
is that in most cases we can control what is in our environment
that is causing the stress. Take these five steps to eliminate
environmental stressors that might cause stress and tension
in your work and home life.
1. Increase your activities during natural
light. Natural light elevates the mood and helps maintain
a regular internal body "clock". Especially during
the fall and winter we experience a substantial decrease
in natural daylight. If you're indoors, try working next
to a window and allow as much sunlight as possible to enter
your space. If you work in an office without windows try
buying a natural sunlight lamp ( http://www.wackyplanet.com/natsunlam.html).
These lamps can help with Seasonal Affective Disorders as
they provide a natural sunlight spectrum for health and
well being. Prolonged exposure to artificial lighting in
any setting can be an environmental stressor.
2. Ban tobacco smoke. Constant exposure
to tobacco smoke and its toxins can be a persistent environmental
stressor and lead to respiratory problems and other symptoms.
3. Evaluate your furniture arrangement.
Arrange your furniture so that you don't feel cramped. Remember
you are more productive in a relaxed environment. Also,
is your furniture arranged so that you inviting constant
interruptions from visitors? If you can, move your furniture
from the line of sight of potential visitors so that you
can focus better, accomplish your goals, and decrease stress.
4. Frequently Change Your Ventilation or
Air Filters. Your office or home is full of ingredients
found in cleaning supplies, upholstery, carpeting, adhesives,
and in chemicals. Devices such as copy machines, printers
and computers all contribute to poor air quality. Combine
that with working in an office building where you can't
open windows it makes the situation ten times worst for
the occupants. In extreme cases, individuals may become
physically ill from these pollutants, and even moderate
doses can cause coughing, a scratchy, burning throat, and
other symptoms.
If you are concerned about poor air quality
in the office speak with the building maintenance crew and
see how often they change the air filters. In most cases,
if you explain in a friendly way why you are concerned they
will make an extra effort to change at least the filter
in your area. Also you can buy a personal air filtration
kit at any appliance store to make your life easier. Open
windows At home to allow air circulation. Also frequently
change your home air filter.
5. "Bring the Green In." This
is a term my wife, Joy Fisher- Sykes, uses to say that natural
colors make us more relaxed. Color has effect on your mood
and energy level. It is generally agreed that blue and green
are very relaxing colors. On a personal basis these might
not be the colors that relax you. You decide on the amount
of color you're comfortable with and the shades that most
appeal to you. For example, bright yellow would tend to
irritate me it may work just fine for others because of
its brightness. Experiment with colors that will work to
minimize stress for you.
Remember, these are all environmental factor
that you can change to work for you. Just recognize what
works for you and take the first steps to decrease stress.
Copyright © 2004 Ed Sykes. All rights
reserved
Web Address: http://wwww.thesykesgrp.com
Blog address: http://wwww.thesykesgrp.com/TSGBlog/blog.html
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About The Author
Ed Sykes is a professional speaker, author,
and success coach in the areas of leadership, motivation,
stress management, customer service, and team building.
You can e-mail him at esykes@thesykesgrp.com,
or call him at (757) 427-7032. Goto his web site, http://www.thesykesgrp.com,
and signup for the newsletter, OnPoint, and receive the
free ebook, "Empowerment and Stress Secrets for the
Busy Professional."
