How to Deal With Work Stress in Colorado Springs
“So what brought you to Colorado Springs?” We’ve gotten this question more than a few times the past couple of months, and the answer always varies: our work, our dreams, our lack of attachments to Indiana. More and more, it’s also been the easy access to the calming powers of nature.
Read on to see what we’ve learned about how to deal with work stress in Colorado Springs.
That seems to be the case for many of the people we’ve met so far out West. Instead of moving because of a job, family, school, etc. they’ve chosen to move to Colorado because of the mountains and lifestyle.
And we get that.
The last several days have been a bit stressful on my family — eating off paper plates and sleeping on the floors of our new home while waiting for our PODS to be delivered. I’ve been relentlessly trying to rebuild my network and bring awareness to Keyhole Marketing in a new city where we know absolutely no one. Without the comfort of our belongings and the support from our community, it has been difficult to balance feeling grateful alongside fears and doubts of why we made this move in the first place.
During these times of stress, I often find myself struggling to change my perspective and find sanctuary. However, I’m encouraged by what I’ve experienced so far from Colorado’s more relaxed and nature-oriented lifestyle and how it serves as a reminder to seek peace during stressful moments.
1. Disconnect to Reconnect
The beauty of living in Colorado Springs is that you can get yourself into nature very quickly. Whether it’s an early morning photo shoot in the front range or a post-work hike or bike ride, there are ample opportunities to get outside to deal with work stress. (CASE IN POINT: The view above of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak is just 13 minutes from our new backyard.)
My stress often comes from the overstimulating digital world we live in. The constant connection to email, text, social media, etc. But now I can drive just a few miles outside of Colorado Springs, and suddenly I don’t have service. The urban sprawl fades away and evergreen trees line the highway. One turn down a forest road, and it’s just me, my hiking boots and my camera. Heaven on earth.
I am so grateful for the ability to disconnect from technology and seek balance, inspiration and energy from nature whenever I need it most.
2. Work Smarter, Not Longer
There is no shortage of adventures to be had in Colorado, and simply not enough days in the year to do them all. It is not uncommon to send an email to someone who works in the Front Range on a Friday and receive an “out-of-office” response. The mentality out here is most definitely to work smarter from Monday-Thursday — accomplishing whatever needs to get done — and then taking off for the mountains as soon as possible. People in Colorado live for three-day weekends, and many employers give their teams “summer Fridays” or days off during ski season to reinforce this notion.
3. Explore New Hobbies
The amount of hobbies the people of Colorado have is truly impressive. From fly fishing and trail running to rock climbing and skiing, you will meet someone new each week pursuing a hobby that sounds interesting to you. I’ve already found exploring new hobbies to be a phenomenal way to take my mind off work, eliminate stress, and stay healthy, as most of the hobbies here in Colorado inspire you to challenge yourself physically.
4. Don’t Take Life (or Work) Too Seriously
The proximity to some of the biggest mountains in North America serves as a constant reminder not to take life — especially work — too seriously. We are very small compared to these mountains, and it is incredibly humbling to be in their presence every day.
I’m curious to hear from other Coloradans (or Coloradians) on what you think? How is the lifestyle here different than other places you’ve lived? Do you find yourself more or less stressed living in Colorado? How do you deal with work stress?
