7 Steps in Managing Stress

Be realistic about your work

• Accept your strengths and limitations.
• Develop a positive attitude towards your work.
• Enjoy what you do and do it as best as you can.
• The work is your responsibility,do not do the work to please somebody.

Organize your work

• Manage your time well.
• Prioritize your work and avoid a last minute rush.
• If possible avoid bringing unfinished work home.
• Know how to delegate your work,this is very important.
• Keep your paperwork tidy and well organized in folders.

Sharpen your problem solving skills

• Address problems rationally and plan solutions systematically.
• List down the main problems and possible solutions.
• Evaluate the feasibility of each solution.
• Have a group discussion on how to solve the problems.
• Learn to accept critics and use it to improve yourself.
• Take appropriate action.
• Think carefully before making decisions.

Have a proper attitude towards changes.

• Some changes are unavoidable.Be open,flexible and realistic about them.
• Slowly blend yourself into the changes .
• Tell your superior in a polite way if you have ideas on how to improve the situation.
• Do not protest against the changes immediately upon implementation before trying them first.

Practise effective communication at the workplace.

• Be assertive,not aggressive.
• Express your idea in a polite,firm and clear manner.
• Respect your colleagues' opinions.
• Think carefully before you say something important.

Foster social support within the workplace

• Establish friendships with colleagues,good relationship really helps.
• List down all the people and organizations which may be able to help you.
• Share your problems with someone whom you can confide in.
• Take time to listen.
• Do not judge your colleagues.

Practise a healthy lifestyle.

• Learn to relax.
• Have enough sleep.
• Exercise regularly.
• Have some enjoyable activities or hobbies.
• Spend enough time with your family.
• Go on holiday travels at least once in a while.
• Refrain from tobacco,alcohol and drugs.
• Do not think about your work when you are not at your workplace.
• Practise good moral and religious values.