Stress!!

It's coming up to Christmas again - and it's pretty high on the old 'stress register'. So what can we do to reduce stress? Well, lots of things, and the rules that apply for stress at work pretty much apply for stress at home too. Here's a few tips on reducing stress:

Healthy eating
There is a close link between mental and physical health. Eat sensibly, at regular periods.

Physical exercise
Set aside some time to exercise in the way you want, excercise has many benefits including the release of those wonderful positive endorphins.

Time management
Manage your time - delegate, think about your peak performance times and when you get tired. Manage your time more effectively.

Relaxation
Whatever it is that relaxes you, make sure you schedule some time for it - TV, birdwatching, blogging even! Make time.

Controlled breathing
It's worth learning some simple breathing exercises, a great way to refresh yourself.

Deskercise
Do some simple sitting down exercises at your desk - there's lots of ideas on the web (here's some from Birkbeck University and Web MD)

Self-analysis
Take the time to identify your stress triggers and work on changing the situation, not just treating the symptoms

Having friends
Friends are a great therapy - and you can help them at the same time. Don't be shy on asking for help.

Professional guidance
You may find it hard to talk to friends, colleagues and family about some issues. If these issues are causing you distress, then you should seek professional help.

Anonymous helplines
Prolonged or extreme stress can cause ‘burnout’. Anonymous helplines such as the Samaritans are invaluable if you get to that situation.

Assertiveness training
Saying no can be very difficult for many people. But saying yes all the time can increase stress and increase workload and responsibility to an unmanageable level. Assertiveness isn’t just about saying no – it’s about listening and answering appropriately and ensuring that you are listened to as well.

Improved communications systems
Much of the stress we experience at work is due to the imperfections of the communication systems in most organisations. Try and improve communications at work.

There's a far more detailed version of this available on our website as a free download, but if you think about stress, and actually face up to the fact that you need to manage it, then it has to be beneficial.

Many of us work well under pressure, but when pressure transforms into stress, performance is affected.

Be good to yourself! Don't let your stress be the last on your list to get sorted. Your family will thank you too, if you do.

PS: I just found this article on a 'Relaxation room' from the University of Hertfordshire.