Reducing job stress

An excellent book by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, Full Catastrophe Living:  Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness, offers some suggestions for reducing work stress by using the practice of "awareness".  Instead of going through your day in a semi-conscious state or as we like to say, "going through the motions", begin the practice of awareness by being fully present in the moment.  To reduce job stress, let's start at the beginning of the day...when you first wake up.  Take a moment while lying in bed to re-affirm that today you are choosing to go to work.  Briefly review what your goals are for the day, the clients you have scheduled for the day...and understand that everything may not happen the way you would plan.  Be aware as you get dressed for your day of the way you wish to present yourself...how you will interact with others?  Focus on your breathe and body...are you frowning or smiling?  Try putting a smile on your face and experience the way it affects your body and how others react to you.  During the day, monitor your body...what types of sensations do you have?  Any tension or pain?  How are you communicating with others?  What are the times of the day that seem more problematic for you?   Take a break to relax...go for a short walk outdoors if possible.  What?  No breaks??  Then it's time to work a few breaks into your schedule...make breaks a routine part of your schedule!  How many clients do you schedule back-to-back-to back?  How effective are you when you don't allow some time for yourself throughout the day?  When it is time to leave the office for the day, be aware that your work day is over...begin to make the transition to your personal life and then review the activities and people that will be part of your private time.  Make sure you change out of your work clothes at home to move consciously into your non-work life.  What?  No personal life? No activities, hobbies, relationships??  Remember....balance!  Choose Wellness!