Learning to embrace ease at work
A few weeks ago I was chatting with my business coach about my transition to full-time work .“It’s so easy, I feel guilty”, I said.
Her response challenged my mindset: “It sounds like you have a mindset that work is meant to be hard and what you are experiencing is ease”
Historically, my career was filled with hard work and challenges. I suspect many share this perspective.
But what if there is another way? What if we were able to choose what brought us stress? What if we could embrace work with more ease?
The origins of stress
In 2022, Gallup State of Global Workplace report revealed that 44% pf global employees experience stress during the workday, rising to 50% in the US. Stress is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.
When we encounter a stressor, like our car breaking down or getting an urgent email from our boss, we can’t help but become activated. Our brain recognizes this as a threat, sending a signal to our hypothalamus. Our body starts to then release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Our breathing increases, and we see an increase in high blood pressure and heart rate.
Our bodies are wired for this response. While this response historically protected us from predators, our modern lives trigger it for threatening events, leading to chronic stress.
Through neuroplasticity, our brains adapt. While we can’t control external events, we can control our attitudes and responses.
Tips for Embracing Ease at Work
Choose your stress: Say goodbye to unnecessary stressors. Do you enjoy your job as an individual contributor but feeling pressured to transition to a management path? Nothing says you have to take it! Stick with the things that are connected to your core values and life vision.
Scheduling pauses: Take short breaks between meetings or tasks. This could include standing up, stretching, and grabbing a glass of water to reset your nervous system
Connect with others: Believing that life is meant to be stressful may discourage you from building connections. Building a sense of community can be a powerful opportunity to allow ourselves to lean on others during challenging times.
Take a break away from your computer: We’re human beings, not human doings. We’re not meant to be behind our screens all day. Take your lunch away from your machine, get some fresh air, and go for a walk.
Incorporate play: Give yourself permission to experiment and explore. Use tools like card sets from The School of Life for a playful approach to your work
While you might not be able to control the things that pop up, you can cultivate a state of ease wherever you are at this very moment.
