by Ted Onulak

Created on: June 12, 2010   Last Updated: June 13, 2010

Too often, people try to separate their off-duty lives and their work lives with the false assumption that one has nothing to do with the other.  This could not be further from the truth. 

A person's inability to handle stress, get the proper rest, and plan the next days activities can lead to poor performance, erratic behavior and in some cases, loss of employment.  Taking a few simple steps during your off-duty time to address these issues can help you work more effectively and optimize your on-the-job performance. 

*Handling Stress

Stress in the workplace is often unavoidable, but one key is to recognize the symptoms.  Irritability during your commute home, fatigue, racing thoughts and lack of concentration can be some of the signs that you are hitting the proverbial wall. 

The first thing you should try is to take a step back from the problems of the day. 

If taking public transportation, have an entertaining book or magazine to read to take your mind off the daily routine.  Avoid newspapers, work-related material and just lose yourself in a good story.  This will make the time pass quickly and transport you into another world for a while. 

If driving home, play a favorite compact disc, radio station or even an audio book to get the same result. 

Turn off the mobile phone and allow yourself the luxury of a few minutes of total personal time.  This should become a daily habit and will have a great restorative effect on your mind and body. 

Each of us has his or her own living situation, so if you have a family, take the time to show family members a bit of attention and appreciation, as they may have had a stressful day, too. 

Sometimes, just taking a quick shower to refresh and putting on some comfortable clothes may be just enough to change your attitude.

Try to have an early, sensible meal and if the weather permits, take a walk around the neighborhood just to stretch your legs and help the digestion.    It can often be the case that prolonged inactivity may add to stress, so make it a point to do a little light exercise after dinner.  These few simple activities and actions will begin to show almost immediate results. 

*Getting Proper Rest

Both the single, young professional and established family person may have many after work commitments. 

For heads of households, coordinating family activities can devour your time after you get home from work. 

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