The three things I’ve learnt about relieving stress

Sometimes life throws you a few curve balls that knock your routine and plans completely out. Suddenly you find yourself running around like a headless chicken just to find out you are still behind and the backlog of things to do just kept getting bigger.

We all face these challenges every now and again but when you find yourself overstretched give these three things a try:

 

1. Taking a step back

Objectively putting all the things that need doing (work and otherwise) into an Urgent/Important grid and then actively prioritising really helps you to:

• Be realistic about what won’t get done, and make sure you spend your time on the important/urgent things
• Plan for when you will be able to do the important/not urgent things
• Give the all important perspective on what really matters and accept the situation. This will enable you to be calmer, feel in control and more importantly be of use

 

2. Making time to exercise is important as well as eating regularly and healthily

These are two of the things that often go and you end up rushing around grabbing fast food and worrying that you don’t have 20 minutes to spare. However these both help reduce stress, improve energy levels and help you to think clearly and therefore a great return on your time investment.

 

3. Let people know

If people know your situation they can make allowances, help and support you. You don’t have to be a bleeding heart, but just a quick email to those you are putting back a bit, or a quick update when having a chat is better than pretending you are all on top of things when you’re not. This takes the pressure off you and I have found people really relate to honesty and the human condition.

What do you do to relieve stress?   

Posted by: Toby Buckle