“My key to dealing with stress is simple: just stay cool and stay focused.”
―Ashton Eaton
Stress is a major contributor to poor performance at work and a significant source of conflict in families. It is also the most likely cause of symptoms ranging from backache to indigestion to weariness. Let’s attempt to effectively manage and contain stress by doing simple things on a regular basis.
(1) Complete one task at a time.
Do it with awareness. Do it well. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. Next, move on to the next action. Computers may benefit from multitasking, but people haven’t quite adapted to it. Multitasking results in clumsy errors, subpar work, and inconsistent performance. Therefore, focus completely on what you are doing right now. Spend some time making it perfect. Enjoy the experience as well.
(2) Make gradual changes in your life.
No extreme diets. No quick, vigorous exercise routines. You could keep it up for a while. but it can’t continue. Be tolerant. If you want to change, you can do it without acting hastily. By stages, please.
(3) Avoid bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders.
If we allow it, there is enough crime, poverty, wretchedness, injustice, wickedness, and evil in the world to drive us to despair each and every day.
Give yourself a break. Recognize that most of us cannot significantly alter the world on a personal level. But there is a lot we can accomplish in the context of our own lives.
Try loving, forgiving, being kind, and understanding. starting with your own family and moving forth. Surprise, surprise! We can all change the world by adding up our individual contributions.
(4) Get into shape
Lack of time is no excuse for not exercising. In fact, being in shape will improve your physical and mental capacity to such an extent, you will probably gain time. And Enjoy life more. A regular fitness routine, combined with good eating habits, will keep you leaner, healthier, and more energetic. Get fit. Feel Good.
(5) Speak up
Don’t know what they are talking about? Ask. Don’t agree with what is being said? Speak up. Your opinion is just as valid as anyone’s. And the only stupid question is the one that is not being asked. So before it gets any further, interrupt. Tell them to backtrack a bit. Ask basic questions. And get up to speak.
(6) Eliminate meaningless deadlines
Our life is full of them. Arbitrary and unrealistic time constraints imposed by ourselves and others serve only to make us more pressured, anxious, and stressed out, For no worthwhile reason. Avoid the trap of assigning time frames to everything you do, especially if you have little idea how long it will take. Instead, make your goal one of completing a project in a careful, professional, satisfying manner.
(7) Accept that people think differently than you do.
You could spend your entire life trying to win over people to your point of view. The simple truth is you won’t. At least not everyone. Even if you present the most logical, rational. airtight, arguments, some people never see it your way. Don’t waste your time trying to convert the diehards. Instead, work with them and live with them, respect their differences, and be thankful the world is not full of people like you.
(8) Take frequent breaks
There is no glory in drudgery. Nor is it fun or satisfying. Break up tedious assignments into smaller tasks. Pause and get away from the work periodically. Insert other lighter activities in between. Each time you come back you will feel fresh and energized. And before you know it your project will be finished.
(9) Be prepared
Nothing succeeds like thorough preparation. It makes you more efficient and productive, gives you confidence, and minimizes, anxiety and doubt. Prepare yourself for the unexpected too, and you will be better able to deal with it. Things often play out chaotically because people just are not ready. Be prepared.
(10) Don’t be goaded into making hasty decisions.
If you feel unsure, or do not know enough to make a decision… don’t. Most decisions can be put off. Wait till you have all the facts. And never be rushed into deciding by a salesperson because a “special offer” will expire. Any reputable company will extend their terms until you’ve at least had time to think about it — something they may not want you to do. Do not agree to anything you are not sure of.
And periodically take a mental inventory of everything good in your life… and don’t let current troubles cloud your greater achievement.
