Tips to make work less stressful (part 1)

It's been almost 2 weeks now since I returned to the working life and there are a few things and experience that I want to share with my readers which you might find useful:

Do you feel having a 40 hour workweek too much?
You don't when you enjoy what you do thoroughly.
You don't when there is always something new to learn.
You don't when you know it's your choice to make your day awesome.
You don't when you spend each day contributing meaningful work for the world.
You don't when you see familiar faces and connection.
You don't when you achieve a purpose or result.
You don't when you are passionate about what you do.
You don't when you are being productive.
You don't when you are not working to pay for material goods that you don't need.
You don't when shopping no longer interests you.
You don't when you get to brainstorm with others and being creative.

Do you feel like you are constantly running on the treadmill and overwhelmed by the busyness at work?
It's been really hard for me after such an extended period of hibernation and I find that slowing down on purpose works to calm me down and make my day easier:

1. step away from technology as much as possible
2. get local, fresh produce at the Farmer's Market
3. get out of the office at lunch time and take mini-breaks
4. take a sensory stroll, people-watch, sketch, take photos
5. do not take work home and never work on your off-days
6. sit and meditate whenever you feel like screaming
7. spend some time alone

Working in an office with other employees could be a shock to your system especially after being your own boss for some time. I loathe office politics which is inevitable and I try not to be a part of the tribe. Here is what I do when it comes to dealing with difficult people:

1. Accept that there will be personality clash and avoid encountering that person as much as possible 
2. Ask yourself if this is the hill you are willing to die on
3. Respond only when your thought needs to be said by you (and no-one else) now (and not in the future)
4. Speak your truth without stooping to anyone's level and name-calling
5. Listen, pause, respond
6. Ask powerful questions starting with what, how, where and when
7. Respect, acknowledge and appreciate
8. Take responsibility by using 'I' versus 'you'
9. Be crystal clear in your communication with others
10. Transparency is encouraged in the workplace

Come back next week for more hands-on tips...