bringing work stress home

So, lately I’ve been struggling with bringing work stress home at night. It’s something I’m resolving to quit doing – as soon as I can figure out how.

At a jewelry party last year, a couple of us were talking about the latest “drama” at work and a co-worker’s wife said she knew nothing about it. She said her husband won’t tell her anything about work. I couldn’t believe it. I feel Tanner probably knows more about the “drama” at work than some of my co-workers! Poor guy.

So, like I said, I’m resolving to compartmentalize my life – work at work and home at home. I came across an online article that I found helpful (and lots that were not). Here are some tips:
-- It’s ok to bring reminders of family to work, not ok to bring work to family. It’s also calming to have your desk in order and include pictures/drawings/etc. from or of your family.
-- Clock out on time. When you are constantly putting in extra hours, it becomes a habit rather than a requirement.
-- Talk about life. If you are going out with people from work, talk about life outside of work. Recently a couple co-workers and I have been having “Bachelor watch parties” each Monday night. It’s been really nice to learn more about my co-workers on a personal level. It’s like a real friendship! :-)
-- Show compassion. Remember the Golden Rule at work. When you take time to help others, it builds your self-esteem, makes you feel useful and resourceful.
-- Set aside time for yourself. Even if it’s something small – like taking a walk around the park during lunch – take time each day to get away from work and clear your mind. Come to think of it, I do feel like the day’s I go shopping over lunch are the days I feel less stressed! :-) Ok, maybe that’s not what the article meant, but hey, if it works… !

And, an idea I stole from a co-worker: get lost in your iPod. Ok, so I can’t “get lost” in the music, but when I don’t hear the ridiculous conversation of managers across the room, I can’t get angry or stressed. It’s kind of “ignorance is bliss”. For the most part, it’s been working for me. It really helped yesterday – check out my “Pick-Me-Up” entry.