The stress factor
THE SPEED age, the modern living, the rat race to be competitive and the morbid urge for acquisition are creating a stressful situation for the modern-day executive. Added to these occupational hazards, social anxieties are also responsible for creating stressful situations. Thus, the executive leads a life of tension 24/7, without any time for personal leisure and relaxation. Yet, some have found ways to beat the stress. This is how :
Understand what stress is and how it affects us - By understanding the process and effects of stress, you will be able to identify the major sources of stress, anticipate stressful periods and come up with appropriate plans. This will enable you to find your optimum stress levels in all areas of life.
Improve your decision-making capacity - Learn to divide a problem into manageable components. This way, you will discover your range of decision-making styles. After coming to know of your decision-making style, you will understand what suites your aptitude.
Enhance your concept of self - Feel confident about yourself. A positive concept of self will give you strength to cope with stress.
Be positive - Adopt a positive attitude. A positive mindset makes one feel good about life in general. Do not allow your life to be dominated by negative thoughts.
Build relationship - Invest time in building relationship in your life. Have a peer group. Having someone to talk to and share experiences with minimises stress. That's why a healthy and friendly relationship with your colleagues is essential.
Communicate assertively - Cultivate the skill of asking what you want. Be very clear about that. Successful executives know their preferences. Also, learn to say `No' to people who demand more.
Manage time effectively - Determine priorities. Do not strive too much at one go. Whatever you do, do it efficiently.
Objective thinking - Train yourself to think in terms of objectives, it is a crucial skill. This does not just refer to major life decisions, rather all aspects of life. Until you know what is important for you, you will find it difficult to set objectives for yourself.
Tolerance - It is not an outdated virtue. It means bearing with those whose point of view may differ from ours; or we may not like their ways. Tolerance must be shown in all differences of opinion.
Be prepared for future shock - This is life, anything can happen. Be prepared for that. Be something like a quick-change artist, capable of wearing many hats simultaneously and changing them at a moment's notice.
Apart from these, the most important factor is your health. Stress can take a toll on your health. So, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. An outdoor game can keep you away from tensions and anxieties of the daily life. Self- discipline and self-reliance are the key virtues that can help you overcome stress.
SRABANI DEB
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