Stressed at work? 10 stress busting habits of effective stress managers

Stress at work is one of the biggest health issues we face today. According to recent figures, 360,000 days are lost each year in the UK due to stress costing in excess of £7 billion! causes include long hours, shift work, too much or too little work, lack of control and conflicting demands, poor management, bad relations with other work colleagues, repetitive work, boredom and lack of job satisfaction, working alone, job insecurity, job or organisational change, low pay, jobs with heavy emotional demands to name but a few.

So what can we do about it?

Its a serious problem for us all. The following is a short list of habits to help you reduce your stress levels, read it, print it, and put a star next to those areas where you need to improve.

1. Know how to relax. You need to know how to let go of tension, relax your body and your mind.

2. Eat right and exercise often. You are what you eat, make sure you eat healthily and take some form of exercise at least once a week.

3. Get enough sleep. Don't overdo it, give your body enough rest, and make sure you go to bed at a regular hour.

4. Dont worry about the unimportant stuff. Categorise what is truly important, and what isn't.

5. Don't get angry often. Avoid losing your temper, and if you do, make sure it's not destructive by remaining in control.

6. Get organised. Spend time organising your life, be in control over your schedule and environment.

7. Manage your time effectively. Time is ticking, make sure you plan your priorities accordingly.

8. Get and make full use of a strong support system. Spend time with family, friends and acquaintances. Have people in your life that listen and care for you.

9. Live according to your values. Make sure your goals are significant and worthwhile.

10. Have a good sense of humour! Life will often throw difficult things at you, be able to laugh at yourself and the annoyances it brings

Print this list out, and stick it up somewhere where you can read it daily, and if you're still stressed, check out our Assertiveness and Stress management course!.