50 Mind, Body, Spirit Mistakes (Even Smart Women Make)
Career
12. You hate your job
The average American spends at least a third of her life working, so it's important to find a position that's challenging and fulfilling. If yours isn't, talk to your supervisor about how you can reshape your job responsibilities, or dust off your resume.
13. You regret not pursuing a childhood dream
Thoughts like "I should have played the guitar/been a sculptor/learned ballet" can lead to feelings of self-doubt. Instead of worrying about the opportunities you missed, enroll in a class or sign up for private lessons.
14. You rarely socialize with colleagues
You’re not going to love every coworker, but having someone to chat with can make the day go by more quickly. Research shows that social support can prevent illness-and it can ease emotional stress, too.
15. You second-guess yourself
Over-analyzing can erode your self-image, says Ahrons. "Ignore the little voices of doubt in your head and take action before you change your mind," she advises. "Your first choice is often your best choice."
17. You are your career
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in work that you neglect to foster hobbies and other interests—which not only leads to professional burnout but can make you just plain dull. Set aside a few hours a month for a book group or a sports league to add spark and dimension to your life.
18. You don't delegate
Doing everything yourself keeps your work-load-and your tension-unnecessarily high. If you tend to be a control freak, give small tasks to others until you're comfortable handing off larger projects
19. Your office is too loud
A recent study found that people who work in noisy environments have higher levels of stress and lose concentration faster than those in quiet settings. If you can't move your desk, wear earplugs or listen to white noise through headphones.
20. You don't take time off
Research shows that skipping vacations increases your risk of heart disease increases your risk of heart disease. Worried about your in box? Schedule a break a few months in advance and talk to your boss about delegating responsibilities while you're away.
