Managing Stress – ARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH

Ever so often things will get on top of you. This happens to everyone no matter how organised or competent a person can be. Of course a small amount of stress can be a useful motivator to drive us forward, however if things pile up too much life can be much harder.
Here are a number of tips on how to manage stress to ensure that you stay on top of everything and keep happy.

1. Be Realistic.

One mistake that many people make (especially me) is to try and take on too much at once. It can be difficult to say no to a request but managers can be understanding and help rearrange your workload with others. Try working on recognising and avoiding situations that upset you. However, of course there are some things we can’t avoid! Give them a go and feel stronger for confronting an uncomfortable issue.

2. Take steps to resolve the problem quickly.

It is very easy to spend a lot of time upset about a problem and not take any action to get things sorted out. Very rarely do problems sort themselves out, go out there and make a difference!

3. Think ahead and be proactive.

Have a look at our Managing Time section on how to get on top of things before they are due.

4. Talk to People.

Letting it all out can really give us perspective in difficult times, helping us realise what really matters. It is very easy to be consumed with one relatively small aspect of your life and not realise it until you get feedback from another person.

5. Take a break.

Sooner or later you will need a break or your brain will be useless. Distract yourself from the task at hand by doing something completely different and non-demanding. This allows your brain to organise thoughts in your head and recover. Frequent organised breaks are the best.

6. Work out.

Everyone says it, working out releases endorphins which are great. Even though many feel tired after work a session in the gym can really wake you up.

7. Sleep.

Try and get some natural sleep, doing an all nighter might make you seem like an overpaid investment banker – but it really doesn’t do you any good. Taking ‘power naps’ is pretty effective, just make sure your boss doesn’t see you.

8. Try relaxation techniques.

While to many of you this may seem like a bunch of bizarre rituals, using relaxation techniques really can help. Some of the more alternative things include meditation, breathing techniques and massage. If this all seems a bit much stick on a chillout CD and lie down for a while, you be surprised how useful this can be.

9. Watch what you eat.

• Drink water- It’s important to keep hydrated while at work, there are posters dotted around my workplace highlighting that a small amount of dehydration can dramatically affect your performance. So drink plenty of water throughout the day (bring in a jug if you’d like).
• Be wary of Caffeine- Caffeine can be your greatest friend or enemy here- while it dehydrates you it can keep you going UP TO A POINT. Once this point is reached: 1) you will be very stressed, 2) You can’t function let alone concentrate 3) You wont be able to sleep. I learnt this the hard way during university!
• First you get the money, then you get the sugar…- Also have a thought or two about sugar levels, eating a lot of sugar quickly will lead to you crashing as your body compensates, try and find something to eat with a low glycemic index.
• Have a ‘balanced diet’ – Your body needs a lot of vitamins, amino acids etc.. to function in difficult times, so make sure you get them. Some people swear by taking vitamins in pill form and fish oils but there is doubt regarding how effective this is.

Check out this guide for a more comprehensive look at managing stress.