Say No to Stress
RAVI was a valuable employee of a multi-national company. Being an aggressive over-achiever who could meet any deadline and beat every crisis, he was poised for success. The stress added the punch to his work and kept him on his toes. There was no stopping him as successive leaps up the corporate ladder marked his career. However, one day everything came to a screeching halt. In the midst of an important project, he lost the motivation to work and turned listless and dejected. His was a classic case of addiction - no, not to drugs or alcohol, but to stress and pressure!
The workplace abounds with people who need a dose of pressure as a `fix' to keep them going. They are continually functioning in overdrive to meet a gruelling schedule. Thriving on living on the edge, they drive themselves harder when fighting deadlines and work in a perpetual state of crisis. `I love it when I have loads of responsibilities!' This is what these addicts say. More often than not, such workers cannot perform their duties without the looming pressure. If it is not the last minute, they cannot get anything done!
This leads to procrastination of work until it figures as an emergency. Some people also unconsciously subject themselves to pressures of their own making by fabricating challenges like over-committing or taking on more than they can handle. According to an expert, "Stress addicts find themselves more involved in their work when it gets tougher and more complicated.
They tend to think of stress as a normal part of life, rather than as something that is unfair."
The telltale signs
The following characteristics can help you identify if there is a stress addict lurking inside you:
Do you feel that you can work best only under pressure?
Are you at your peak in a crisis?
Do you drag your feet until the eleventh hour?
Do you hold yourself to impossible standards of perfection?
Do you seek out stress for the thrill of it?
Do you feel guilty if you take time off work or relax?
The good and the bad
Unarguably, people are definitely more productive under pressure. Having two hours on hand to complete a crucial project does get one moving. It helps you think faster as you focus totally on the job that needs to be done.
Boring work also gets exciting when under the gun. The adrenaline surge motivates, speeds things up and shoves you into an overdrive.
However, there is more to it than meets the eye. Interminably working under an avalanche of pressure will make you a ticking bomb waiting to explode! In the long haul, it will cut away at your efficiency and productivity. You will pay the price as it takes you to the brink of fatigue, burnout and breakdown.
There will be massive repercussions as you head towards imminent health disorders like heart disease and depression.
Keeping stress at bay
Exercise is the greatest stress buster. It relieves pent up emotions and is undeniably salubrious and rejuvenating Devoting time to relaxation is essential. Catch short breaks during the course of your workday. Unwind totally when you get home and get a good night's sleep What you need is a holistic sense of control to preserve your sanity. Be honest to yourself and become aware of your addiction. Confront the situation and decide, `I will not live like this' Change your modus operandi. Plan to complete your work with time to spare. Do not wait for the storm of deadline to strike
Prioritise your tasks and then address each one in a focussed but unhurried manner. Do not try to multi-task. Going the extra mile to finish a crucial project is necessary. However, do not make a habit of it Do not overcrowd your `to-do' list. Know where to draw the line and limit your work schedule If all else fails, you need to seek help from a therapist to get out of the whirlpool Wake up! Do not become a slave to pressure. It will ruin your life!
PAYAL AGARWAL
faqs@cnkonline.com
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