How to manage your stress
Checklist
- Recognise physical symptoms: for example, headaches and tension, upset stomach, continual tiredness or problems sleeping.
- Recognise behavioural symptoms: for example, nervousness, irritability, loss of sense of humour, excessive smoking or communication problems.
- Recognise work symptoms: for example, inability to focus, poor decision-making, loss of enthusiasm, feeling overloaded.
- Identify any work causes: for example, unrealistic targets and deadlines, bad time-management, overlong hours, or poor working relationships.
- Identify any domestic causes: for example, relationship problems, bereavement, financial problems.
- Where possible, remove the cause: for example, refuse additional work commitments and sort out relationship problems.
- Try to accept causes you cannot change, and remind yourself of other, positive aspects of your life.
- Break down big jobs: create smaller, achievable tasks, decide what to prioritise and recognise each step you achieve.
- Work on your attitude: accept your limitations and avoid taking stress out on others instead of dealing with the problem.
- Get support: talk problems over with friends, join a group of others in a similar position, or get a business mentor.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle: eat properly, take exercise or practise relaxation techniques.
- Be active: physical activities and hobbies are far more relaxing and effective at relieving stress than watching television or doing nothing but worry.
- Take breaks during the working day; set aside 'quality time' at home, and plan (and take) long weekends and holidays.
- Learn how you react to pressure and how you can best deal with stress.
Cardinal rules
Do:
- learn to recognise the symptoms
- identify the causes
- take action to sort out problems
- pace yourself
- get support
- learn to relax
Don't:
- ignore stress
- keep problems to yourself
- take stress out on colleagues and family
