Five Instant Ways to Reduce Environmental Stress - Part Two

It’s time for part two of the series to reduce environmental
stress in your life. In Five Ways to Reduce Environmental
Stress - Part One, I shared with you five ways you can
immediately reduce stress by controlling your environment.
Now I will share five additional ways for you to make a
difference in your life, be more relaxed and productive, and
reduce stress.

The five ways are as follows:

1. Make the Air Play Fair
Control the air humidity in your environment to a level that's
comfortable for you. Too dry or very humid air can produce
unpleasant environments. Air humidity can even produce various
physical symptoms. Dehumidifiers can take control of the air
quality to make rooms feel more livable. You can acquire these
portable humidifiers from any department or discount store.
Must sure you acquire one with a “quiet” button to reduce the
noise when running. If needed, add a few plants to provide a
bit of moisture.

2. Lose the Clutter
Rid yourself of all the clutter that surrounds you. Improve
your time management skills so that you can prioritize what
“stuff” is important and what isn’t important. If you are not
immediately working on an item, move it out of line of sight.
Not only will your environment become more visually pleasing and
relaxing, but you'll avoid the stress of constantly searching
for important items among the excess.

3. Get Rid of Static noise
Everyday we are experiencing “static” noise. Phones ringing,
computers dinging, radios playing, TVs with “talking heads”
playing, coworkers interrupting, etc., are all examples of
static noises. These noises create stressors that impede our
abilities to think and ultimately create work and life
solutions. They also can take their toll over time on our moods
and energy. Do what you can to reduce background and unwanted
noise. Turn off radios and TVs when not using them with purpose.
Reduce or turn off all computer noises if they are not
necessary. Use noise reduction materials such as partitions,
curtains, etc., to quiet your environment. When you can, take a
“silence is golden” break in a quiet room to recharge your
emotional and mental batteries.

4. Make Your Workspace Work for You
Use good ergonomic techniques in your workplace to reduce the
risk of repetitive strain injury, eye strain, back pain, and
other uncomfortable symptoms. Pay particular attention to your
stair, desk, and computer setup since most likely you will be
using these items the most. The correct setup of these items
will save you years of wrist, elbow, back, and eye pain and
strain.

5. Create an Empowerment Zone
Create at work or at home a retreat for yourself to reenergize
yourself both mentally and emotionally. Not having space for
this zone is not an excuse. It can be a private room or your
favorite chair or desk. Include items such as plants, books,
relaxing music, and pictures to create an environment of peace.
Use this area to think and visualize the positive things in your
life. You might want to think of future situations in your life
and how you will master them for your benefit. Use this area for
carrying out important tasks whenever possible.

Go apply these techniques today! Apply what works for you and
reduce your environmental stress.