Mental & Emotional Health

As of this year, I have been living with depression for ten years. I’ve been dealing with feelings of worthlessness, social withdrawal, and at my worst, suicidal tendencies for a decade now. I am 25-years-old and have lived with this illness since I was 15; it is a part of me, and while I am more than just depressed, it is a huge part of who I am. However, lately I’ve noticed that things are changing for me.

Lately I’ve noticed that I’ve been feeling HAPPY more often than not.
~little things make me happy; being invited to a movie-night with my friends, getting a phone call from my best friend, laughing with my mom about our mutual love for Willie Nelson

Lately I’ve noticed that I am smiling all the time.
~during my entire hike over the weekend I was smiling, putting on my sunhat to sit in the super-hot Oregon weather made me smile, seeing that there is a new episode of A&E’s Intervention onDemand made me smile (although I will probably eventually cry from it)

Lately I’ve noticed that I’ve been enjoying my life!
~my work thoroughly pleases me, I’m really looking forward toschool starting in September, even my neighbor’s incessant hammering (remodeling) isn’t bothering me like it used to, reading has become an absolute pleasure for me again instead of just an escape

Lately I’ve noticed that while I have my depressed moments, they are becoming fewer and farther between.
~even while so upset about the finality of my relationship with Mr.E., it took me 40 hours to move past it and realize that I’m worth more than that, I had a panic attack early last week and it was the first one that I can remember having in months and months

Lately I’ve noticed that my coping methods when I am depressed have changed.
~instead of feeling the need to escape (by reading, having a beer or two, not answering the phone/hiding), I’ve reached out when I’ve felt depressed. I’ve made it known to friends when I’m feeling down and I have been asking for help. This is a huge change for me.

Lately I’ve been weirded out that this stuff is changing. I don’t quite know what to do with myself; so instead of thinking about it too much, I’m sitting back and enjoying it!!

Hi, my name is Sarah; I smile a lot lately.

mental and emotional health, depression, anxiety, Accutane, depression causes, happy, healing, healthy, smiling, enjoying life, coping methods, relationships, dating

The Power of Positive Thinking

Well, I haven’t talked much about it lately, but I’ve been incredibly depressed lately. My joblessness, the stress of moving (and still not knowing exactly where to) and the anniversaries that are approaching have me quite at odds with my mental self. Yesterday, I was really down, and I told myself, before going to bed, that I was going to have a great day today, that something positive would occur and that whatever that positive thing may be, I was going to concentrate only on it.

Earlier today I received a phone call from a place I had previously interviewed with (RTG). They have three branches and I interviewed for a receptionist with the Pearl branch and didn’t get it because I was overqualified. They apparently passed my name on to their Lake Oswego branch and the LO branch wants to interview me tomorrow for a higher-up position. I spent abotu 10 minutes just THRILLED with this fact and then when I was bummed out early this afternoon, I thought about it again. It made me happy!

Then, another place (medical clinic) called me for another interivew later on tomorrow! I’m going to go to that, too, just to see how it goes. The fact that I have two interviews scheduled made me stressed, so I thought about the positive aspect of it, and then not ten minutes later I got an email from the ballroom dance telling me that they were hiring me. I have a job!!!! I am still going to my two interviews tomorrow, but I have a job! *doin’ the job dance*

I am going to be working Monday-Thursday from 7am-3pm and Friday’s from 7am-4pm (whoo hoo for a whole hour of OT!) as a studio coordinator. I am going to be doing dance lesson scheduling (ballroom, not ballet!), advertising stuff (read: creative projects!), taking funds, and helping keep the dance studio running. I am REALLY excited about the job and the fact that it’s a new position is great for me, since I already have ideas!

So yeah, if you had something positive happen today (did someone smile at you?) concentrate on it for a while. See what comes of it!

mental and emotional health, positive thinking, happiness, new jobs, ballroom dancing, job interviews, positivity

Since I will have been unemployed for two weeks by the time that I start nannying, I’ve been a bit stressed out about money. I have a back board and can turn to family if I get desperate, but I hate having to ask for help or admit that I’ve done something I need assistance with. Many people are stressed about money even though they work full-time … or even more than full-time … and so I thought I’d do a few posts about financial stress and how it affects our lives … and then what we can do to help ourselves.

There are millions of internet sites you can find if you do a simple Google search of “financial tips,” and so I had quite a bit of information to digest. Good thing I’m getting paid to do this at least, right? ; )

Research has recently show (thank you 2007 tax year) that half of employed people have money “problems” and financial stress can be linked multiple ways to depression and anxiety. In 2005, the US Congress passed legislation making it harder to wipe away credit card debt which only seemed to increase the anxiey surrounding finances for most.

This anxiety over finances can affect a person’s physical, mental and emotional health in many ways:

* unhealthy coping behaviors: when one has to deal with financial stressors, you may be more likely to want to numb your anxiety by binge drinking, smoking nicotine, using drugs, emotional overeating, and other unhealthy coping behaviors. These actions do not reduce the amount of stress and anxiety in a person’s life; in fact, they will more often add to a stress level.

* having less money for self-care: if you don’t have a lot of money, you aren’t going to take as good care of yourself (or your family) as you would be able to if there were more money involved. Health care is expensive and preventative measures are put by the wayside when the budget gets tight. Small health problems may turn into larger ones as they are ignored and grow.

* lost sleep: stress related insomnia is a huge problem in our nation. A lack of sleep impairs your immune system, your mental and cognitive functioning and can cause moodniess. Who wants to be stressed and moody at the same time?

* unhealthy emotions: feelings of hopelessness, high levels of frustration and intense anxiety can be experienced when debt begins to pile up. The additional stress compounding with the stress from poor coping & self-neglect can lead to an immense and menacing amount of stress.

It is absolutely no surprise that American’s leading cause of stress is money! Tomorrow I will concentrate on some resources on how to handle your own financial situation in order to feel more control in your life.

mental & emotional health, depression, anxiety, money, stress, financial stress, budgeting

this post written on 4/23/07

* I was accepted to my first-choice school; Portland State University! I get to stay in Portland for at least two more years. I am hoping to travel abroad during my second year for a while … hopefully in Kefalonia, Greece or somewhere else super-cool! Anywhere overseas would actually be super-cool to me since I wouldn’t be there for too long, but I’m hoping a community planning program and Kefalonia has one.

* I, like my friend The Master of Irony, have been very compliant in my medications lately. I missed ONE day (yesterday) becuase I woke up late (noon) and had to be at The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry at 1pm. I didn’t realize that I had forgotten until I was halfway to OMSI so I skipped it yesterday. I took my 20mg right on time this morning and am back on track.

* I am now employed. The nannying family; the McCoys and I hung out yesterday (why I had to be at OMSI at 1pm) and I had a wonderful time. I chased (sometimes literally) Mr.T (who does not have a mohawk or wear gold chains) around the Science Playground and wore MrArrr on my hip in a beautiful Maya Wrap sling. It was incredibly comfortable and I was able to chase a three-year-old while I had a one-year-old strapped to me. Great exercise AND fun! I start with the McCoys on Wednesday morning and am looking forward to the adventures that will happen this summer.

* I have been interviewing with other places for part-time work on top of nannying, since I will have the time (and hopefully the energy?) to work somewhere else. (Adult conversation!) I have had a great experience with the women at Realty Trust Group here in town and go in for my second interview on Tuesday at 2pm. I am really excited to see what they have going on … even if they may not be able to officially hire me until June 1st, I’ll be able to manage things until then.

* This afternoon and evening I am going to spend some quality time with my friend MissBee and we are going to take a butt-load of photographs with our cameras (Mine is pretty! and MissBee’s is super-cool-looking!) I am looking forward to getting out and playing with the new camera. I am even going to drag out the tripod and fill up an entire memory card with shots. This will lead to a half million pictures (okay, well only 500 maybe) so hopefully SOMETHING good comes out of that! If anything superb comes out, I’ll share with ya’ll.

* See! Things work when I take my meds! : )

I have two job interviews today … one in the fancy schmany area of Portland for reception work in a real estate office and one in Vancouver for a translating service (maybe I’ll put my German degree to use?). I’m not nervous about either interview, but I decided to let Kevin Donlin help me Prepare for the Interviews. I put my own comments in bold because I’m just like that.

“The best way to ace your next job interview is to prepare for it. This may sound obvious, but it’s not. Too many applicants walk into an interview without knowing as much as they should about the industry, the company and its problems.

1. Know the company. Find out as much as you can about the position, the company and its needs, so you can show how your background meets those needs. Telephone the receptionist and ask for copies of company brochures. Be friendly and professional on the phone and when you go pick up those brochures. (A receptionist who takes a liking to you can be one of your most important allies in getting a job.) Whenever possible, get a copy of the company’s annual report. Research the company at your local library and on the Internet. Unless you have a lot of time, this is often hard. Most employers, I’ve noticed, want you in to interview immediately and I haven’t had much time outside the Internet to research companies.

2. Know yourself. Mentally review the skills and character traits you have that will help the company’s bottom line. Think in terms of the value you can add to the position and the company.

3. Know your job history. Mentally review your past achievements and be prepared to describe your work experience in detail. Gather letters of reference and samples of your work to present to the interviewer as proof of your past accomplishments. Practice describing your experience in terms of your responsibilities and accomplishments at each job. Can’t you just see me in front of the mirror? LOL

4. Know the questions. You can almost bet on being asked: “Tell me about yourself.” Approach this from the employer’s point of view. Ask yourself, “If I were hiring someone for this position, what would I want to know?” Then answer those questions. And be ready for tough ones, too. Think of the worst questions you could be asked about your experience and abilities, then prepare positive responses. Why would you think of NEGATIVE responses, though? Duh! : P

5. Prepare questions of your own. Employers are as interested in your questions as they are in your answers. And they’ll react favorably if you ask intelligent questions about the position, the company and the industry. I normally ask the interviewer ‘What is your favorite part of working for ‘InsertCompanyNameHere’?” as well as ‘What is your least favorite part of working for ‘InsertCompanyNameHere’?” to see what they say. This has seemed to impress people becuase I have questions for them! LOL

6. Get the big picture. Visualize the entire interview, from start to finish. See yourself as performing with style and confidence. How will the interview end? Will you get a job offer or be called back for a second interview? How much salary do you want? What kind of benefits? The research you did in step 1 will give you an idea of what to expect. Be ready for any eventuality.

Make a Good First Impression
The outcome of the interview will depend largely on the impression you make during the first five minutes. To succeed, you must project a professional, competent and enthusiastic image. Your aim is to convince the interviewer that you would be an asset to the company. Keep the following in mind:

7. Punctuality. Do whatever it takes to arrive a few minutes early. If necessary, drive to the company the night before and time yourself. Allow extra time for traffic, parking and slow elevators. I am driving 14 miles North on the busiest road in Oregon/Washington and so I’ve allowed for PLENTY of time today between interviews! LOL

8. Dress. Your clothing should be appropriate for the position you’re seeking. Attire must fit well within the office and be immaculate. If you don’t know what the typical attire at the company is, call and ask! Shoes should be polished; pants/skirts and shirts pressed. Nah, I’ll show up in jeans and an emo-t-shirt. ; )

9. Grooming. Clean hair and fingernails are essential. Hair should be styled conservatively. Avoid excessive make-up, jewelry or cologne.

10. Handshake. A firm handshake is appropriate and projects confidence. Make eye contact when you shake. But don’t shake the hand as though you’re trying to strangle people. I am always wigged out by interviewers who shake my hand like that!

11. Body language. Send the right message by standing straight, moving confidently, and sitting slightly forward in your chair.

Conduct the Interview
Have your own agenda and know where the interview should be heading. This will give you confidence and help you move from one area of questioning to the next. Remember: Most interviewers are as uncomfortable as you are. They just want the position to be filled as fast as possible. If you can put the interviewer at ease by helping things move smoothly, you’ll improve your chances of being hired.

12. Enthusiasm and eye contact. Show your enthusiasm by making eye contact and keeping an interested expression. Nod and gesture in moderation; excessive body movement can distract and annoy the interviewer.

13. Listening skills. Listen carefully and ask questions to probe deeper into what the interviewer is telling you. Most interviewers are delightfully surprised by a question such as, “How could I help you solve the problem you’ve just described?”

14. Communication skills. Good grammar and articulate speech are essential. If this is an area where you’re weak, work on it. Practice on your family, practice in front of a mirror, record your voice, take classes — do whatever it takes to become a more effective communicator.

15. Negative statements about previous jobs or employers. NEVER make them. Instead, be diplomatic. No matter how bad your last job or boss was, there’s probably something good you learned from the experience. Emphasize the positive — with a smile. “My previous boss was a nasty nasty woman. I hated her, she treated me poorly and tried to get me fired. Instead of letting her fire me because she’s that nasty, I gave my 2-weeks notice and now you can have me!” Uhm, yeah, I’ll pass on saying that.

Follow Through
This is a crucial and often-overlooked final step in the interviewing process.

16. It’s essential that you write a thank-you note to every person you met at the company. Your most important letter(s) should go to the interviewer(s). In your letter, be sure to summarize your conversation and re-emphasize the skills you would bring to the position. Thank them for their time and ask if it’s all right to call later in the week to see how their search for a candidate is going. That candidate may well be you! I always do this! It’s what got me my previous job, actually!

mental and emotional health, job search, interview tips

As I was starting this post, I made it three things into my list and then accidentally lost the post. Instead of getting really frustrated, I used my own aforementioned stress techniques and moved on. I couldn’t control (or save) what I had previously lost, so I am continuing.

For the past two days you’ve been reading about life-changing activities you can do to lessen the stress in your life, but have any of you been wondering about little day-to-day things that you can do to help yourself out? Well, that’s what today’s “Stressball, III” post is dedicated to. Pick one thing a week and slowly start adding it to your life in order to reduce your stress!

*Add something beautiful to your life on a daily basis (e.g., flowers). I like to get flowers. I love having flowers around, and am thankful that my roommate is willing to replant weeds & flowers outside to cheer us both us. If I’m really craving fresh flowers, I will just buy them myself to cheer me up! : ) Looking at flowers reminds me that there is always something good in life!

*Do some enjoyable activities whenever possible. What do you like to do? Read? Check out a new book! Enjoy cooking for friends and family? Try out a new recipe! Do you scrapbook? Take pictures? Run? Watch TV? Do something that you enjoy doing; that is definitely going to help you out!

*Walk, work, and eat at a relaxed pace. If you can help it, remember that slow & steady does really win the race. Take your time and keep yourself calm, even under pressure!

*Take a short break after meals to relax. If you like to, get out and go for a short walk after dinner. Sip on a cup of (decaf) coffee. Read the newspaper. Enjoy your meal and then relax afterward to let it settle.

*If possible, go outside at least once per day and notice the simple things such as the weather, scenery, etc. This goes along with taking your walk! You can go for a 10-minute walk during your morning or afternoon break or even take a walk during lunch-time. Get your blood flowing and count this as part of your daily exercise requirement!

*During the day, whenever you remember, notice and tension in your body (jaw, neck, diaphram, shoulders, etc.). Breathe deeply and gently stretch and relax any tense areas. Need some stretches? Print this out and tape it up near your desk. During your breaks, use this to stretch yourself out and breathe deeply while doing so!

*Avoid holding in feelings day after day, but instead, find a safe place to feel, express and embrace them. < a href="http://www.451press.com/more-bloggers-wanted/">Start a journal! Write to get your feelings out, embrace them, and deal with them as they come. Don’t just sit on your feelings and let them eat away at you. This is one of the best stress-relievers I’ve ever encountered and probably why I enjoy writing so very much!

mental and emotional health, stress, stress relief, stress relievers, reducing stress, 1-800-flowers, fresh flowers, books, cooking, recipies, photography, taking pictures, watching TV, Aesop’s fables, meals, relaxing, walking, decaf coffee, newspaper, The Oregonian, outdoor activity, exercising, body tension, stretching, desk stretches, journaling, writing, 451press

I’ve had a couple of readers ask me the same two main questions lately that I think I shall address this morning!

1. [You’re going back to school,] so what would you be studying? Right now my goal is to go into international HIV/AIDS education & prevention through the public health field. I have a degree in German and while it will come in handy for that “international” part of my career goals, most Master of Public Health (MPH) programs want you to have some sort of public health background before they’ll admit you. So, I’m going back to study a social science; psychology (which I was 3 credits shy of minoring in), sociology, anthropology, something of the like. I’m still debating which field I want to concentrate on, but I’ll add another liberal arts degree to the one I already have.

2a. Do you have a job yet? It’s not official, but unofficially, yes! Last night I met with the Hatfields* and we clicked immediately. MrTee and MrArr are both adorable little boys and they took to me like most children do. (Children and small dogs seem to really like me … just like a close family friend … if he and I were really related I could pull the genetics card, but that doesn’t explain it.) I spent 2 1/2 hours with the family getting to know them and playing with the boys. MrTee is a 3-year-old bundle of brains and energy; he didn’t sit for more than two minutes the entire time I was there. I reveled in his energy and went back to my car FULL of pep. MrArr is about to turn 1 and just beginning to creep/crawl. He pushes himself along the wood floor with one of his fat little legs and enjoys being the center of attention. They essentially offered me the job while I was still there, but until I see it in writing, or hear it on the phone, I’m not 100% counting on it … just at 98% for now. My email account has been acting up (Gmail apparently suspended it!!!!!) and so I had to create a new one and get in touch with MrsCee to pass that information to her.

2b. So you’ll be working full time? No, nannying wouldn’t technically be full time since they only need me from 8am to 2pm. This leaves me absolutely open to find an afternoon/evening job and I plan on looking for something. I may spend my summer working my butt off just to keep myself busy and out of trouble.

2c. But you’re going to lose your health insurance, right? Yup, I’ll be without insurance but I will survive. I have insurance until May 13th and so I will have all my meds refilled and get everything taken care of before then. I won’t stop taking my meds and I won’t stop seeing Scuba Steve. I’ll take care of myself … otherwise this blog could get really interesting! LOL

2d. Are you only going to talk about kids now? No, I’ll find good things to talk about, still and you’ll probably still get to hear lots of silly stories about the children. Their names or photographs will never be on this blog, (we’ll stick to The Hatfields, DadE, MrsC, MrTee and MrArr as their names) but eventually those will become their names (to you). Get used to it. (And those of you who know me in real life will probably see them in my life over the summer anyway. Speaking of that, KIWI, this new job means a lot more freedom when BabyD decides to make his appearance and I will be able to “escape” work easier to get to the hospital!!!)

*they live across the street from the McCoy’s, right?

questions, school, HIV/AIDS, education, prevention, international education, international HIV education, public health, German language, psychology, sociology, anthropology, mental & emotional health, master of public health, work, job search, children, nanny, Gmail, crawling, babies, insurance, health insurance, medications, therapy, psychiatrist

Yesterday I cried. I cried hard. I cried out of joy, excitement and nervousness.

I got my official letter of acceptance from Southern University of New York at Albany. I cried because it scares me. I cried because it’s exciting. I cried because I might have to move to New York!

I spent yesterday afternoon on the phone with Portland State and Oregon State making sure they had all my papers; they didn’t. I immediately emailed Oregon State the appropriate documents and then this morning I walked the stuff Portland State lost up to their admissions office and got proof that I turned it in. I will call them next Tuesday to see where they are on the “expedited” application status (since they lost the papers they are bumping me up to take care of things). Hopefully I get in to one of my Oregon schools and can stick around. If not, I’ll be near my LoriBaby and she and I will cause trouble.

MrE and I had a nice talk last night about “us” and sorted some things out. Neither of us are ready to “get serious” and so we’re going to just take things one day at a time and let things go. I’m absolutely okay with that and it makes me want to see him even more this evening.

This evening I am meeting with a possible new nannying family. I have been talking to the Mom (MrsCee) for about a week now and am looking forward to meeting her and getting to know her (and the two boys, MrTee and MrArr … and their dad, who is another MrE, but we’ll have to figure out if he needs a new name when that time comes) and seeing what their life is like. I hope I fit in there and can feel some security with giving my two-week notice at work.

I am a happy woman today. Happy happy woman.

SUNY Albany, Southern University of New York, Oregon State University, OSU, Portland State University, PSU, mental & emotional health, dating, school, education, employment, nannying, depression, moods, anxiety

I got more nervous last night watching my Ohio State Buckeyes play basketball than I am about a job interview I have today. In 2 1/2 hours I am meeting with a vision clinic about doing some tech work there. I am excited because of the change it may bring but not at all nervous. It’s a nice feeling. If you read this before 2:30pm Pacific Standard time, please think smart & employable thoughts for me … I’ll think of ya’ll if I get nervous.

I’m an anxious person, but I don’t think that I’m a nervous person. In my mind, there is a difference … but it’s hard to explain. I’m all about eustress and thriving on the good that can come of it - but anxiety is different in my mind. There is such a negative connotation with “anxiety” anymore that it’s bothersome to say that you’re anxious. People automatically assume that you have an anxiety disorder. Do you notice whether you use the word nervous more than you use the word anxious?

I have two weeks to find a job. I am going to do this, I have faith in myself!

Ohio State, basketball, NCAA basketball, new job, job interview, anxiety, eustress, nervousness, mental and emotinoal health

I gave my two-weeks notice today.
Keep your new job vibes heading my way.

I have a couple of interviews already schedule this week and one is tomorrow … as an optometric technician … fancy schmancy words for “help people put on their glasses and take their money” which is good for me … maybe I can get a discount on my contacts! LOL

This scares me sh*tless, but I know I have to do it and just move on. My job sucks the life out of me and I need something new!

employment, new jobs, mental & emotional health, glasses, optometric technician

For the first time in months, I cried myself to sleep last night. I don’t know what was up with me, but I had to do it. I felt like, as Lump’s mom Wench put it; my “pot was low” and I just didn’t feel right. After my decent beginning of the week, it was sad to have a Wednesday like that. I skipped the last 40 minutes of LOST, which I’ve never done before, got into bed, didn’t even read, but I put on sad music and just bawled. It felt good and I fell asleep pretty quickly, but it was not so nice, really.

I think, that next week by this time, I will be unemployed. Long story short, my boss and I don’t get along and although I work my @$$ off and do my job well, she hasn’t treated me well since my divorce, and has been going through the proceedings to get me fired. Since I am a union member there are protocols she has to go through, and from talking to those around me, she has begun the proceedings. *shrug* I’m scared, but being proactive and have applied for other jobs around me. I have to. I can’t just sit on my @$$ and let life pass me by. I am going to handle things just like I always do.

I wrote a kick-ass email to a potential nanny employer this morning and am hoping to hear back from them. I also applied to about a dozen jobs at another hospital in town. We’ll see what happens. If all else fails I’ll ask my parents for support … because I don’t know what else to do.

So, yeah. I have tomorrow off, am going to spend some time applying for more jobs and I may go down to see my mom just to get away. We’ll see … the idea of driving back through traffic on a Friday night (because I am going to a show with Pen (whose name is being changed to Mr.E)) doesn’t sound too appealing. We’ll see. Either way I have to wash some pants … clean pants aren’t overrated like most people think.

Time for more job searching - wish me luck!

crying, emotion, employment, unemployment, nannying, quitting jobs, mental and emotional health

Quint Careers gives us 10 tips for dealing with the stress from your job, and with the negative attitude I came into my office with today, I definately needed to read (and then re-read) these tips!

1. Put it in perspective. Jobs are disposable. Your friends, families, and health are not. If your employer expects too much of you, and it’s starting to take its toll on you, start looking for a new job/new employer.

2. Modify your job situation. If you really like your employer, but the job has become too stressful (or too boring), ask about tailoring your job to your skills. And if you got promoted into a more stressful position that you just are not able to handle, ask about a lateral transfer — or even a transfer back to your old job (if that’s what you want).

3. Get time away. If you feel the stress building, take a break. Walk away from the situation, perhaps walking around the block, sitting on a park bench, taking in a little meditative time. Exercise does wonders for the psyche. But even just finding a quiet place and listening to your iPod can reduce stress.

4. Fight through the clutter. Taking the time to organization your desk or workspace can help ease the sense of losing control that comes from too much clutter. Keeping a to-do list — and then crossing things off it — also helps.

5. Talk it out. Sometimes the best stress-reducer is simply sharing your stress with someone close to you. The act of talking it out – and getting support and empathy from someone else — is often an excellent way of blowing of steam and reducing stress. Have a support system of trusted people.

6. Cultivate allies at work. Just knowing you have one or more co-workers who are willing to assist you in times of stress will reduce your stress level. Just remember to reciprocate and help them when they are in need.

7. Find humor in the situation. When you – or the people around you — start taking things too seriously, find a way to break through with laughter. Share a joke or funny story.

8. Have realistic expectations. While Americans are working longer hours, we can still only fit so much work into one day. Having unrealistic expectations for what you can accomplish sets you up for failure — and increased stress.

9. Nobody is perfect. If you are one of those types that obsess over every detail and micromanage to make sure “everything is perfect,” you need to stop. Change your motto to performing your best, and leave perfection to the gods.

10. Maintain a positive attitude (and avoid those without one). Negativism sucks the energy and motivation out of any situation, so avoid it whenever possible. Instead, develop a positive attitude — and learn to reward yourself for little accomplishments (even if no one else does).

I once told a friend; “It’s just a job!” in reaction to her stress at work, and I think I need to remember this as I go on through the week.

employment, job stress, relaxation, work