Working away from home is not everyone’s cup of tea. While for some people it may be an amazing adventure full of possibilities and a journey of self-discovery, for other people it can be a very anxiety-inducing and stressful experience.
6 Ways to Cope with Stress
However, we all have to submit to the will of our employers and do many things that don’t suit us too well when we are working. This is why it is best if we learn to cope up with situations that don’t bring out the best in us. So even though working away from home can be stressful, there is no reason why you cannot learn to work through that fear and evolve as a person? Here are some of our best tips:
Don’t Isolate Yourself
Isolation and loneliness are the worst things in this situation. You need to make sure that you do not isolate yourself because that is when the anxiety and the stress get to you. Think about it, following the same mundane routine from home to work and work to home every day, eating alone in your little room, sleeping and then repeating the same thing over and over again. It does not exactly sound like a treat, does it?
So what do you do to escape this bland, mundane routine?
First of all, try going out as much as possible. Of course, it can be difficult to manage every day because you are obviously working very hard. But try to take a couple of minutes out of your day and go for a walk. Every new town and city has its own culture and heritage and other points of interest. So visit a museum or eat a new cuisine, anything that can make you feel more productive than before!
Other than that, it is very likely that you will have to work in your apartment or hotel for a while too. So instead of staying cooped up in your tiny pigeonhole and making your stress even worse, why don’t you try going to a coffee shop nearby and then work? Being surrounded by people will make you feel less lonely and stressed out, and it will take some of the edges off you as well.
You can even try talking to a couple of locals, people traveling with you, or even other tourists. This is a great way to make friends that sometimes last forever!
Keep Your Routine in Check
There are many reasons to fall off the clock and into a life of absolute disarray. It could be jet lag, it is one of the most common reasons, and it can be terrible to wear off. It can be the generally stressful environment around you; it can be anything. The point is that this disorganized life will do nothing but stress you out further. So you need to make sure that you have a good routine in this new place.
The first thing you must do is wake up on time every day. Set more than one alarm so that you are sure to wake up. Do not rely on the snooze button at all! I would even go as far as to say that a simple, analog clock with an alarm function in conjunction with your phone’s alarm is the best way to go about it.
Make sure you don’t skip out on any meals, especially breakfast. People who stay alone often tend to do that, and it does not reflect well on their health at all.
Try to make a habit out of going out for a walk every day. Not only do you get to explore the new city this way, but you also get a healthy activity to be a part of your routine.
Make sure you sleep on time. It is alright to take natural supplements, like chamomile and its extracts, as supplements that help you sleep well at night. Some people even try reading or watching a bit of TV before falling asleep because they are also equally effective methods.
Bring a Little Home with You
There is no doubt about the fact that you are missing home. Sometimes, even people who have an adventurous spirit get sad and depressed when they are away from their homes because there is no feeling of familiarity.
So, if you live in an apartment for this period, keep some artifacts that remind you of home with you. It could be some artwork that your children made; it could be some non-perishable food from your home, it could be pictures, posters, cutlery, utensils, anything. Sometimes, these tiny things that usually feel very meaningless can hold a lot of meaning and can have played a huge role in making you feel better.
Check up on Home
Naturally, you want to know what your friends and family are doing back home without you. Has your daughter learned new words? Have your friends discovered a new burger joint? You will not know unless you make an effort!
Call up everyone and ask how things have been every few days when you get time. Some people even like to Skype and Facetime their friends and family and keep the webcam on. It gives them a homely feeling to see the people they love doing their things and being available if you ever need them.
Be Prepared for Anything
When you are going on a work-related trip, it will help to be prepared for any obstacle that comes your way. For example, you want to make sure that you have all the medication and supplements you need. Some antibiotics and over the counter medicines have different prescription rules in other lands so make sure you know how to get them if you feel the need.
Many places will easily cover for you, though. For example, this online marijuana dispensary in Canada can be all you need to get your hands on some good quality marijuana for your stress or anxiety. Do not forget to pack a personal first-aid kit as well.
It is a great idea to pack swimming trunks and other specific gear as well, especially when you know you will be in town for a long time. It saves a lot of money and gives you a feeling of preparedness that is so important at such a crucial time.
Exercise and Meditate
For many people, exercise can be just too much effort, and meditation can be something that can waste a lot of time. But how many of these people know how much better their lives would be if they just gave an hour to physical exercise or meditated now and then?
Exercising and meditation keep you calm. They help in reducing your stress levels and making you feel more productive. Other than that, both of these practices require you to synchronize your breathing, which is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and stress in people.
Lastly, they make you feel good about yourself and keep you productive. They also help in organizing your thoughts and making you feel like you have everything under control. These are essential feelings in keeping you balanced in stressful times.
It would also help if you have keep a soft toy like a squishie from Funsquishies.co. They’re a little more advanced than stress balls because they come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and types.