Let’s face it, life is stressful—especially working in a deadline-oriented industry, such as advertising. Even though we face these deadlines every day, we must still deal with accomplishing our other tasks and responsibilities. Talk about unwanted stress!

Stress is completely normal, it’s a form of defense for our bodies. It is the body’s reaction to change. When put in front of danger or discomfort, our bodies have systems that kick into gear. The Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous Systems react in a ‘fight or flight’ mode as a form of protection from stress.  If the body is constantly put into repetitive, stressful situations, without time to restore itself, major damage to your health could occur.  Too much stress can cause depression, obesity, heart disease, sleep problems and even digestive problems.

In a recent study, WebMd found:
·        43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress
·        Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declares stress a hazard of the workplace
·        Stress costs the American industry more than $300 billion annually

By following these simple steps, you can learn to quickly alleviate stress before it takes over your body:

·        Stay Positive –Is the glass half empty or half full? The glass may appear half empty, but the bright side is that you just enjoyed half a glass of a delicious and refreshing beverage. Always try to see the positive side of things. Jot down all of the positive things happening in your life. Focus your attention on them.

·        Exercise –Just ten minutes on the elliptical machine or a brisk walk around the block will be sure to boost your feel good endorphins.

·        Organize- Prioritize your schedule, clear the clutter off your desk, make “To Do” lists, keep an ongoing updated calendar always by your side.

·        Acceptance – Remember that some things are simply out of your control. You are only responsible for what is under your direction.

·        Breathe – Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. When you breathe in, feel your lungs fill with oxygen as your chest expands. A few deep slow breaths will send you to an instant state of calm.

·        Walk –Remove yourself from the situation, get outside and take a ten minute walk. Clear your mind and take in the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Remember to enjoy every day to its fullest, no matter how stressed out you may be. Simply remember these tips to reduce your stress levels significantly. Remember to give 100% of yourself 100% of the time - that is the best that you can do!