Although not everyone is stressed by mess, many of us do prefer clean, tidy surroundings. But if just the thought of decluttering makes you tense, consider the fact that clutter is a stressful visual reminder of work to be done. Valuable time is wasted in the search for keys, unpaid bills, and clean clothes, whereas tranquil surroundings allow you focus on what’s important.… Read the rest >
I have a fridge magnet that says, “I will not obsess. I will not obsess. I will not obsess.” It’s a funny reminder that negative, repetitive internal dialogue does not relieve distress. Sure, pondering something troubling might help you find a solution, or convince you, upon reflection, that you did the right thing. However, dwelling upon a problem … Read the rest >
My friend and I were visiting Paris and wanted to take photos of a lovely cheese shop display, but the shopkeeper wouldn’t let us. Rather than take it personally, which I normally might do, I merely observed him for a moment. I noticed he had a head cold and decided that must be what was making him grumpy. In my … Read the rest >
Stressful situations can occur anywhere, including, of course, at work. For example, an angry customer might take their frustrations out on you. Or, a stressed-out co-worker might snap at you for no apparent reason. Perhaps you can’t stop thinking about a problem at home. At such times, you may feel somewhat helpless to both deal with your stress and carry … Read the rest >
When a nutritionist asked me to write for her company newsletter about managing stress, I replied that her request was stressing me out. I was only half joking. The truth is, I—like many other people—sometimes don’t handle stress well. Writing about this reminds me I should take my own wellness seriously.
Stress can be invigorating, such as when you are … Read the rest >
Why did I name my company Zen Editorial, and why the slogan “We’re Word Conscious”?
There are several reasons. For one thing, I want my clients to feel relaxed and Zen-like when their work is in my hands. My job as an editor is to clarify and tidy up their message until their words are as uncluttered as a Zen … Read the rest >
I had to laugh afterward. While meeting my logo designer, I asked him what he would charge to design my business cards. He told me, and then said that since we were alumni of the same college, he’d do the job for half price.
A shrewd businesswoman would have agreed with him. So what did I do? I told him, … Read the rest >
It doesn’t take much to throw me off my centre: a rude clerk, a headache, the sound of a car alarm when I’m trying to sleep. But it also doesn’t take much to put me back, if I take a moment to think about it. A few calming breaths, thoughts of those who have it harder than I do, or … Read the rest >
