Inescapable - so learn how to deal with stress

I'm stressed, you're stressed, we're all stressed. Modern day job descriptions never mention the word stress, but read between the lines and it's there. Some people cope well with it, some don't, and some don't even believe it exists. What can we do in today's workplace to manage this invisible force called stress?

Stress: pressure or tension exerted on a material object: "the distribution of stress is uniform across the bar". Sound familiar?

Whether you manage staff, projects or meet customers in the frontline of business, stress can enter the workplace at any time, affecting how we do our jobs and how we are around colleagues.

How we manage stress is the big challenge. Stress can rear its head in many ways depending on individuals. Some close off to everyone, solely focusing on their immediate task.

This can be difficult for colleagues who work closely with these individuals, especially if they are in a team.

Some people become edgy and tetchy, and become aggravated at the slightest little thing. Then there are the types who just wilt and turn on the waterworks for all to hear. All of these are just different reactions to the same thing, stress.

So what can we do to combat this agitator?

PRIORITISE

Try not to worry about the smaller things. Just prioritise your list of tasks.

EXERCISE

You'd be amazed at how beneficial a bit of exercise is. Go for a run, a cycle or chase the kids around the garden!

PERSPECTIVE

Ask a colleague to take some time to look at what is stressing you out. Another viewpoint can help you and give you fresh ideas to resolve an issue.

SLEEP

Lack of sleep aggravates stress, so go to bed early.

PLAN

Write up a plan on what you should do whenever you feel stressed. There are plenty of tips online and self-help books out there that are great helpers.

Do not rely on the novelty stress-ball to squeeze out your stress. Be proactive. Exercise, get out of the office at lunchtime, and chat to friends or colleagues when you feel stress coming on. We all want to be at our best at work and at home, so keeping the stress levels at a manageable level will make life better for you and everyone you meet.

Life is for living!

Mark Doyle is client services manager for Shamrock Recruitment Group in Wellington, which caters to recruitment needs for both client and candidate and specialises in commercial and executive recruitment and psychometric assessment services. See www.srg.co.nz