7 Proven Ways to Manage Stress at Work

7 Proven Ways to Manage Stress at Work Stress. I have it, you have it, we all keep sending it around and around like that nasty cold everyone in your office got last month. Stress is one of the biggest culprits in workplace dissatisfaction- and more than that, it takes its toll on your health and well-being. Who needs that? Here are seven ways to counteract some of the stress that pops up in your everyday life. Treat YourselfSure, a Rolex would be nice, but not terribly feasible for most of us. You know what you can do instead? Take half an hour to treat yourself to a latte. Block out an evening to go see that movie you’ve been eyeing for weeks. Anything that breaks the routine and lets you do something you enjoy works here.DIY AromatherapyStudies have shown that fruit scents (especially green apple) can lessen pain in migraine sufferers. Fruits like apples and citrus are great for calming nerves. Also, herbal scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender often have calming, anti-depressant effects. If your local farmer’s market isn’t in season (or if you’d feel weird skulking around the produce section of your local grocery store, sniffing everything in sight), a nice candle and a few quick moments of deep breathing can help get you back to your happy place when things are hairy.Beach StaycationYou’re on a calm, sandy beach, watching the waves. Is that a dolphin frolicking in the distance? Some gentle gull calls in the distance? Watching something repetitive like waves can help your brain zone out and decompress. The tropical vacation may not be an option right now, but you can find some good temporary (and indoor solutions).Find a Leafy FriendDid you ever do that science experiment when you were a kid, where you see whether plants grow better when they’re talked to? Well, regardless of whether the plant does better, having a plant on your desk can help you de-stress at work. Studies have shown that adding some greenery can lower one’s b lood pressure. Plus, the occasional care (watering pruning, shifting to a sunbeam) gives you a welcome distraction from the daily grind. And it’s a great option if you’re allergic to cuddlier stress-busters like pets.Pick up a Coloring BookYou may have noticed this whole â€Å"adult coloring book† trend lately. Publishers are coming out with all sorts of coloring formats for grownups, busting the conventional wisdom that coloring is a kids’ game. Coloring is great for the adult brain too†¦repetitive motions and patterns let the brain decompress.Massage Your EarsOkay, I know this one sounds weird. But massaging your ears for a minute or two releases endorphins throughout your body and promotes relaxation throughout.Cute Animal VideosIf all else fails, I dare you to stay stressed and unhappy while watching videos of adorable animals doing adorable things. YouTube is the cute animal video capital of the world, and is always great for a two minute pick-m e-up when you’re having a rough day.

How to Write an Instructional Outline

How to Write an Instructional Outline Before writing a set of instructions or a process-analysis essay, you may find it helpful to draft a simple instructional outline. Here well look at the basic parts of an instructional outline and then examine a sample, Breaking in a New Baseball Glove. Basic Information in an Instructional Outline For most topics, youll need to provide the following information in your instructional outline. Skill to be taught:Â  Clearly identify your topic.Materials and/or equipment needed:Â  List all the materials (with proper sizes and measurements, if appropriate) and any tools that are needed to complete the task.Warnings:Â  Explain under what conditions the task should be carried out if it is to be done safely and successfully.Steps:Â  List the steps according to the order in which they are to be carried out. In your outline, jot down a key phrase to represent each step. Later, when you draft a paragraph or essay, you can expand and explain each of these steps.Tests:Â  Tell your readers how they will be able to know if they have carried out the task successfully. A Sample Instructional Outline: Breaking In a New Baseball Glove Skill to be taught:Â  Breaking in a new baseball gloveMaterials and/or equipment needed:Â  a baseball glove; 2 clean rags; 4 ounces of neatsfoot oil, mink oil, or shaving cream; a baseball or softball (depending on your game); 3 feet of heavy stringWarnings:Â  Be sure to work outside or in the garage: this process can be messy. Also, dont count on using the glove for about a week. Steps: Using a clean rag, gently apply a thin layer of oil or shaving cream to the external parts of the glove. Dont overdo it: too much oil will damage the leather.Let your glove dry overnight.The next day, pound the baseball or softball several times into the palm of the glove.Wedge the ball into the palm of the glove.Wrap the string around the glove with the ball inside and tie it tightly.Let the glove sit for at least three or four days.Wipe the glove with a clean rag and then head out to the ball field.