One of the things I didn’t prepare for when I got sick was the “enemy strikes” when you are weakest.
So, I was totally unprepared for the onslaught of abuse I received from my superiors and office staff when I got sick as an admin manager, working for doctors.
It was hard for me as a manager to admit and accept that I was being bullied by people who I liked and thought of as kind people who I admired. They were none of those things. All I was seeing now were angry faces and temper tantrums.
Children who didn’t want to cooperate with mommy anymore. they wanted a new admin, not a sick one. How lame, they deserved better!
I Was Being Bullied By People I Had Previously Respected
It occurred to me one day, as I lay in bed sicker than sick after being harassed yet again by these medical professionals, I might be getting bullied.
A lightbulb went off.
It was such a simple, yet difficult idea for me to accept. As a manager who had previously liked her superiors and staff, it was so hard for me to accept how little they thought of me as a person.
It was a very painful acceptance, but a process I am very glad I went through because it helped me move forward and find ways to build resiliency against my bullies.
It also helped me find one of my most favorite hobbies, something that I do every day, rain or shine! Walking!
Exercise those Bullies Right Out of Your Head With Walking!
Exercise is a Great Way to Combat Bullies. And walking is an easy to do exercise, so it was really a no-brainer that I start walking around the block at lunch to combat some of this office stress.
My Tips for Using Walking Everyday as a Stress Reliever:
- Walk briskly, until you “feel better”. For me that’s about a half an hour. Then I will feel myself calm down. Then I walk slower and take in the scenery.
- Use Hills as a stress buster! Walking up hills really gets the anger out! I spent many lunch breaks ‘fuming’ my way around the hilly streets where I worked. Bonus, is that it’ll burn off the stress in less time because you’re doing more effort than just walking without any inclines.
- Take in the nature! Walk around and take notice of your surroundings. Take in the urban nature of the street your walking on. Take pictures of flowers and enjoy your walk. It’s meant to destress you and make you feel better.
- Focus on Breathing. As you walk, focus on your breath and calming your body down. Let your angry thoughts subside, and put aside your worries for the time being. This is time is for you. Breathe in and out.
- Do it Every Day! Even if it’s just a quick run around the block. Put your shoes on and stretch your legs. Remind yourself: It’s what you need to do to get the stress out!
Finding a Hobby & Taking Time for Yourself Is Your Biggest Weapon against Bullies
These days I’m over a 100lbs lighter from when I started and walk 5 – 10 kms every day! Rain, snow, sun. I’m out there walking, enjoying my urban nature and how every day is a little different.
I love that walking has turned into such a fun daily activity I look forward to, and honestly, I have to thank my office bullies for forcing me to have such a fun hobby! Nah screw them, they don’t get my thanks! lol
So, if you’re feeling bullied in the office and looking for a good stress reliever, give walking a try.
Start small, if you need to get into the habit. Just walk around the building once or going up and down a flight of stairs. This is a great first step at building resiliency against bullies. Go the long way to the washroom next time.
So, get out there and try walking as a stress reducing hobby today!
After a Walk, Enjoy a Mental Health Craft Break & Make a Scrappy Flower!
The Scrappy Flower Campaign is not just about making pretty flowers. Although that’s a pretty fun stress reliever too! Click here to learn how!
Take a Mental Health Craft Break and continue your stress-free vibe you just walked out! 🙂
The Scrappy Flower Campaign is about promoting the positive power hobbies and crafts can have on your health and wellbeing.
If you go for a walk or make a Scrappy Flower, please share with me. I’d love to hear your stories on how you destress and what helps you get through your difficult times.
Happy Walking & Crafting!
Lainie
Founder, Project Manager, Crafter (And Walker!)
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