By Steve Beseke, beseke1@earthlink.net

Our work resiliency is being severely tested these days. A couple of interesting findings from a recent national survey:

- More than 50 percent of employees across the country worry nearly three hours a day about their job security.

- 76 percent of respondents said their boss staying behind closed doors may unwittingly trigger thoughts of impending layoffs. When asked how often they think a boss’ closed door signals possible lay-offs, 43 percent of respondents said “often” or “always.”

During these stormy economic days, many of us are just trying to keep our heads down and grind through the workday waiting for a better and resilient tomorrow.

I read an article recently about a couple of resilient strategies to ease our job worries. They have worked for me and may help you in these stressful times:

- The surprising cure for job stress: Schedule one more weekly work meeting and communicate with your supervisor. The current daily avalanche of headlines about layoffs can give even rock-solid employees like you job jitters.

You can’t change what researchers call the “collective uncertainty about the future,” but you can book a meeting with your supervisor to discuss the company’s goals and define your role in achieving them. Research shows that clearly defined goals make workers happier and healthier. 

- Then, begin exercising on a routine basis. You see, those who exercise perform better at work than sedentary people. One study looked at people under extreme stress and time constraints. It was clear those who took the time away from work to exercise regularly were better at attaining personal satisfaction, and significant improved their work productivity and resilience.

Why does that work? Even though I have a physical disability, I try to exercise at least 20 minutes a day – or about the same amount of time to go your local coffee shop and buy a large cappuccino.

Studies show physically active people process data faster, and they’re more likely to have less stress or to handle it better than chair-bound types. Workouts help your mind relax, so it’s a better incubator for new ideas and solutions. As one study subject said, “Running gives me a body that performs better at everything that I must do during the day.” Even if your job is secure, why pass up the chance to be at the top of your game all day long?

So, in the next week, just try three things for your emotional and physical health:

1)  Schedule a meeting with your supervisor and discuss priorities during these hard times.

2)  Exercise at least 20 minutes every-other-day.

3) Smile as often as you can.

 I virtually guarantee you will see very positive resilient results to will positively help your stress levels at work and in all facets of your life.