Stress management

By: Richard Reid
Even though stress is constantly viewed in a negative manner, it does not always have to be detrimental. The stress of exhilarating, creative and successful work can be beneficial depending on how an individual deals with it.

The first tool we will look at is something called a Stress Diary. This is a journal kept by an individual to help manage stress for them on a regular basis. Each time you are feeling stress or are part of a stressful situation write about it in your diary. By doing this on a regular schedule you will be able to gather information and use it to analyse what triggers stress for you. Try to rate your stress entries on a 0 to 10 scale. Look at how you reacted to, and the managed the stress, and try to determine if you were successful at handling the situation. Finally by keeping a stress diary on a regular basis, it will give you an idea of what level of stress at which you operate most effectively.

Another tool to discuss, which would be effective especially for those who are required to do presentations as part of their job is a Performance Plan. This is simply an outline of the task that you are required to complete and the steps you need to go through to get there. First make a complete list of all steps both mentally and physically that you need to do, from getting prepared for a presentation to the completion of the task. Next go through each step, making corrections if needed as you go. This would also include physically gathering any materials you may need, testing the materials out and mentally reviewing the information pertaining to the task you must perform. When you are satisfied with each step, mark it completed on your list, and be sure to keep your list with you so it is easy to refer to until the task is completed.

The last technique is called Rational Positive Thinking. This again starts with writing down your negative thoughts about a situation that is causing you stress. Next look at what you have written down and in a rational manner ask yourself whether the thought is reasonable concerning that particular negative thought. Then go back through your list and prepare a rational or positive thought for each point. By doing this you will be able to clear your head of negative thinking and help boost your self-confidence about the stress causing situation. Keep this list close by to look at as many times as you feel you need to until you become more comfortable in dealing with the original stressor.

In conclusion, remember to be fair to yourself and try a variety of stress management techniques until you find one that works best for you to decrease your stress level.