Web Worker Daily

Just because web workers have done away with the traditional office, it doesn’t mean we’re also rid of the stress that comes with working.

We encounter equipment failures, personal problems, and a scary client every now and then. Still, we need to keep our cool despite the stresses of web working.

Here are some ways to start…

Maintain a low-information diet. Many productivity gurus recommend keeping one’s information intake to a minimum. Just focus on what’s essential and ignore the rest. This is especially hard for web workers because the internet contains an infinite amount of information on a variety of subjects. Do you really need to know what Paris Hilton did last Saturday? Probably not, unless you’re a celebrity blogger.

Don’t get me wrong – being informed is a good thing. But too much of it can add to your personal tension and stress. When you take in more than you should, it consumes your time and attention, which can be better spent on relaxing activities. An hour of reading trivial RSS feeds could be used calling an old friend, catching up on your reading, or even napping.

Have an outlet. Even if you love your job, you’re bound to have bad days every now and then. For these bad days, you need to release the negativity. You can use a personal blog to rant, ask an understanding friend to lend you an ear, or spend some time playing a shoot-‘em-up video game. Find a way to release the stress ina healthy way so that it won’t crawl into your work and affect your performance.

Regain inner peace. What activities make you feel calm? Usually, when you’re preoccupied with a calming activity, you lose your sense of time. Some people meditate, draw, or clean their house. If you aren’t getting enough rest, napping is also an option.

Stay away from further negativity. If you find yourself involved in an online forum flame war or if you’re reading a heavy argument between two bloggers – stop it. If you really have something to say about the topic, contribute your ideas then move on.

Have a playlist ready. There’s an old saying about how music can tame a beast. This is true, especially if your beast is all the stress that’s inside you. Listen to songs that remind you of a pleasant memory or that engage your imagination.

Make your office a sanctuary. First of all, keep it clean and clutter-free. The definition of cleanliness varies among people, but the general rule of thumb is that everything must have its own place and be easy to find. You don’t need additional stress searching high and low for a spare USB cable.

You can also include a creative corner with personal tokens that inspire you or get you in the mood to work. Mine has photographs, a figurine of Ganesh and Charlie Brown (because they both make me smile), and a compass to represent travel and direction. It’s up to you to find your personal tokens and display them accordingly.

And no, an angry letter from your credit card company isn’t counted – unless it makes you laugh.