5 Ways to Deal with Stress

Stress can cause headaches unless you know how to defeat it. “Feel stress — often resulting from the idea that you’ve lost control, which is a common sensation nowadays — and confidence erodes”-BNET. I can relate to this, can you?

(image: Quite Oxymoronic)

1. Keep a stress journal: Everyone deals with stress their own way. Some people drink, smoke, eat, or exercise for example. The best way to find the trigger for stress is to keep track of the negative stimulus. Once you know what causes your stress you can change your reaction. If you can’t keep a journal-write down key words that will remind you of the situations.

2. Learn to say no: Many people cause stress by taking too much on. If taking on that extra project at work or watching the news causes you stress, say no. If time is your concern, slow down. Look at the scenery so you can hear yourself think.

3. Forgive: Part of human nature is to make mistakes. Forgive people and yourself and move on. Anger directed at yourself or other people only causes more stress.

4. Be creative about cost cutting: Compromise is better than layoffs. If you have to cut hours to save money-negotiate a deal with your employees with an option that best suits them. Take a reduction in salary? Work half-time?

5. Find a support network: CEO’s have websites where they can bounce ideas off of one another. Some of the examples are Vistage International, CEO Support Systems, and GovernBest. Networking with nearby business leaders can help relieve stress. It’s important to share feelings with people you trust.

What is your best way to deal with stress? When do you work better-with a lot of stress or without?