Yes, you can

"Have you ever wondered what it would be like if stress was no longer a factor people faced at work? What if every person went to work each morning, completed a stress-free day at their desk and went home to enjoy time with their families without thinking about something that was worrying them at the office? Is that even a possibility? How can we make that a reality?

When I was in my 20s, I was new to the workforce. I had just graduated from college and wanted to prove myself to my colleagues and my supervisors. I had a job that I had always dreamed of having and wanted to be the best version of myself. I volunteered to take extra projects. I stayed late. I didn't ask for help from others.

After a few months of working nonstop, I was completely overwhelmed. Work exhausted me. I was turning in assignments late and stressed from being unable to give 100% of my efforts. I disliked the job that I loved and had worked so hard to get just months before.

I knew something had to change so that I could feel the rush of excitement I once had for my job. To do that, I had to eliminate the stress it was causing me. How did I do that? The first step was admitting to myself that it was ok to ask for help when I needed it. So, I did. I asked for help when I didn't know the answer to something. I also learned to focus on what I could control. If I couldn't control something immediately, I taught myself to not worry about it. I set boundaries that allowed me to focus on work while I was there, and to focus on other important aspects of my life when I was outside of work, like my family.

I challenge you all to think of ways you can eliminate any stress you feel from your jobs. Whether you take a mental health day when you need it, find support in your colleagues, develop a better balance in your work and personal life or create another strategy that works for you, just take the time to get rid of your stress so that you can find more joy in a job you once loved.

Tell me this: If you had the opportunity to change your work and personal life for the better by making a few simple changes, would you, do it?"