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Five Ways to Reduce Environmental Stress - Part I

Written by Ed Sykes

Saturday, 29 October 2005

Life is stressful enough without allowing the physical
environment - air quality, lighting, noise, and other
controllable factors - to intensify day-to-day stress.
Especially in the Fall and Winter is where you experience
less daylight and more mood swings.

The great thing about environmental stress is that in most
cases we can control what is in our environment that is
causing the stress. Take these five steps to eliminate
environmental stressors that might cause stress and tension
in your work and home life.

1. Increase your activities during natural light
Natural light elevates the mood and helps maintain a regular
internal body "clock". Especially during the fall and winter
we experience a substantial decrease in natural daylight. If
you're indoors, try working next to a window and allow as
much sunlight as possible to enter your space. If you work in
an office without windows try buying a natural sunlight lamp
( http://www.wackyplanet.com/natsunlam.html). These
lamps can help with Seasonal Affective Disorders as they
provide a natural sunlight spectrum for health and well
being. Prolonged exposure to artificial lighting in any setting
can be an environmental stressor.

2. Ban tobacco smoke
Constant exposure to tobacco smoke and its toxins can be a
persistent environmental stressor and lead to respiratory
problems and other symptoms.

3. Evaluate your furniture arrangement
Arrange your furniture so that you don't feel cramped.
Remember you are more productive in a relaxed environment.
Also, is your furniture arranged so that you inviting
constant interruptions from visitors? If you can, move your
furniture from the line of sight of potential visitors so that
you can focus better, accomplish your goals, and decrease
stress.

4. Frequently Change Your Ventilation or Air Filters
Your office or home is full of ingredients found in cleaning
supplies, upholstery, carpeting, adhesives, and in chemicals.
Devices such as copy machines, printers and computers all
contribute to poor air quality. Combine that with working in
an office building where you can't open windows it makes
the situation ten times worst for the occupants. In extreme
cases, individuals may become physically ill from these
pollutants, and even moderate doses can cause coughing, a
scratchy, burning throat, and other symptoms.

If you are concerned about poor air quality in the office
speak with the building maintenance crew and see how often
they change the air filters. In most cases, if you explain in a
friendly way why you are concerned they will make an extra
effort to change at least the filter in your area. Also you can
buy a personal air filtration kit at any appliance store to make
your life easier. Open windows At home to allow air
circulation. Also frequently change your home air filter.

5. "Bring the Green In"
This is a term my wife, Joy Fisher- Sykes, uses to say that
natural colors make us more relaxed. Color has effect on your
mood and energy level. It is generally agreed that blue and
green are very relaxing colors. On a personal basis these
might not be the colors that relax you. You decide on the
amount of color you're comfortable with and the shades that
most appeal to you. For example, bright yellow would tend to
irritate me it may work just fine for others because of its
brightness. Experiment with colors that will work to minimize
stress for you.

Remember, these are all environmental factor that you can
change to work for you. Just recognize what works for you
and take the first steps to decrease stress.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com

About The Author:

Ed Sykes is a professional speaker, author, and success
coach in the areas of leadership, motivation, stress
management, customer service, and team building. You can
e-mail him at mailto:esykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call him at
(757) 427-7032. Go to his web site,
http://www.thesykesgrp.com, and signup for the newsletter,
OnPoint, and receive the free ebook, "Empowerment and
Stress Secrets for the Busy Professional."

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