We all have days when it feels like the world is against us. Sometimes it’s hard to shake off the bad vibes and move on with our day, but life is too short to spend time on things that won’t matter in the long run. Next time you find yourself getting wrapped up in something stressful, ask yourself “will this matter in 5 years?” If the answer is no, don’t give it more than 5 mins of your time. After all, you’ve got better things to do with your time! What are some other ways you shake off bad energy or manage stressors in your life? Let’s dive into five of them now.
- Change Your Environment. Sometimes simply stepping outside can make a huge difference. Even if you only take a few minutes away from your desk or workspace, getting some fresh air can help clear your head and reset your mindset for what lies ahead. Plus, if you can get out for a longer period of time – even better! A leisurely walk around the block can lead to new insights and perspectives that had been hidden before.
- Self-Care. We often forget how important self-care is until we are already overwhelmed and exhausted by stressors in our lives. Self-care activities like yoga or meditation offer an opportunity to decompress and recenter ourselves so that we can come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle our goals. Taking care of yourself should always be at the top of your priority list!
- Letting Go. Sometimes letting go of certain expectations or obligations can make a huge difference in how we feel about our lives and our overall stress levels. It’s okay if everything doesn’t go according to plan – sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way! Instead of spending energy on worrying about what could have been, focus on what lies ahead instead. And be grateful for what did go well or in your favor.
- Setting Boundaries. Learning how to set boundaries for yourself is key when it comes to managing stress levels throughout the day. Take control over who asks you for favors or requests extra work from you – saying no isn’t a bad thing! Setting limits will help keep stress levels manageable while also allowing us more opportunities to focus on ourselves and take part in activities that bring us joy.
- Connecting With Others. Lastly (but certainly not least) – reconnecting with friends, family members or colleagues can be an incredibly powerful way of shaking off negative energy and gaining clarity on where we are going next both professionally as well as personally. Connecting with others helps remind us why we do what we do – whether at work or outside of it – which can provide much needed motivation during times when we feel down about our progress (or lack thereof). Not only does conversation help lift our spirits but it also gives us insight into how others approach similar tasks which may help give us guidance moving forward.
Whether it’s changing your environment, practicing self-care, letting go, setting boundaries, connecting with others or something else entirely – don’t forget that life is too short for stress! And next time you find yourself getting wrapped up in something stressful – ask yourself “will this matter 5 years?” If the answer is no – then let it go and don’t give it more than 5 mins of your time.