De-stress your life

STRESS is an unavoidable condition of modern life. No matter how good you are at tackling the most stressful situations, chances are that you will still have periods of frustration and stress. Listed below are some of the major causes for stress at work place. Its not surprising to find oneself in the midst of unscheduled meetings, deadlines, increased workload and less time to finish the tasks!

Plan your tasks

Planning projects ahead, detailing and scheduling of weekly and daily tasks and events, eliminates time wastage. A detailed planning of each day will give you control of your time at work. Another excellent technique is to make a list of all your projects and tasks and ask your supervisor to help you plan and set priorities.

Never mix professionalism with your personal life

Easier said than done, but it is imperative that you avoid mixing your personal and professional life. There is a thin line between the two, but once you have made up your mind, you will learn where to draw the line.

Meeting deadlines

Planning, scheduling or even maintaining a PERT (Programme Evaluation Review Technique) Chart will help you track your workflow. It will help you schedule your work at your own pace and evaluate if you are meeting your deadlines. Let your boss have the ultimate responsibility for seeing that deadlines are met.

Resolving interpersonal conflicts

There are various reasons that give rise to conflicts - differences in opinions, needs, values and expectations, to name a few. Conflicts give way to stress because each person involved in the conflict want things their way. Looking for areas of agreement and compromise can reduce this. Focus on the task to be accomplished rather than the egos involved.

Too much responsibility?

Adequate authority to carry out responsibilities in a professional manner is imperative. However, there could be times when you do not get the desired authority. In such a case, document what you have accomplished and send it to your boss. Your memo should include what you need to complete the project and give a subtle hint to your superior that you require authority to match your responsibility.

Managing time helps us prioritise what we have to do, making us use our time in the most effective way possible. It not only enables us to control the distractions that disturb time and workflow, but it also helps increase effectiveness and reduces stress.

What can be done to overcome the stress factor? What you need to maintain is an attitude of gratefulness and goodwill towards others. This eliminates hostility, resentment, jealousy, anger, depression and many of the other negative feelings that influence the behaviour of a person under stress. It is important to remember that peace of mind comes from being at peace with others and the environment.

PRATIBHA GADHALAY

pratibha.hyd@careercommunity.co.in