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

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.