I’ve just done a series of post about stress. For me, my ideal way of de stressing is being alone and reading a book or listening to music using ipods or cd players. Earlier, my way of relaxation was being online and surfing the net. But now, with my online work, I don’t find that relaxing anymore.

Since, I’m with my kids 24/7, sometimes I just yearn for these ‘alone’ times and I can only achieve this if I wake up early in the mornings. And once I have my quiet time and devotion, I instantly feel renewed and rejuvinated.

What about you? How do you relax or de-stress?

This is the last part of this Stress Series.

Stress to Manage Stress at Work Place

1) Be realistic about you work

• Accept you strengths and limitations
• Develop a positive attitude towards your work
• Enjoy what you do and do it as best as you can

2) Organise Your Work

• Manage you time well
• Prioritize your work and avoid last minute rush
• If possible avoid bringing unfinished work at home
• Know how to delegate you work

3) Sharpen You Problem Solving skills

• Address problems rationally and plan solutions systematically
• List down the main problems and possible solutions
• Evaluate the feasibility of each solution
• Take appropriate action

4) Have a proper attitude towards changes

• Be open, flexible and realistic about any changes

5) Praise Effective Communication at the Work Place

• Be assertive, but not aggressive
• Express your ideas in a polite, firm and clear manner
• Respect you colleagues opinions

6) Foster Social Support within the Workplace

• Establish friendships with colleagues
• List down all the people and organizations that may be able to help you and your colleagues
• Share your problems with someone whom you can confide in
• Spend time to help colleagues in distress

7) Practice a Healthy Lifestyle

• Learn to relax
• Have enough sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Have enjoyable activities / hobbies
• Refrain from tobacco, alcohol or drugs
• Practice good moral and religious values

Taken from a brochure distributed by the Ministry of Health in Malaysia

While we were waiting for name to called at the clinic for my boy’s immunization this morning, I found this brochure about STRESS. So, I thought that I could share some of the information with you because it might be helpful in the future.

Symptoms that indicate you are under stress:

- restlessness

- change in appetite

- excessive smoking

- alcohol abuse

- excessive worries

- easily irritated

- fatigue

- lack of concentration and motivation

- sleep disturbances

- aggressiveness

If you are experiencing many or all of the above, chances are, you are under stress. Take time to relax, have a break and take things one at a time. God bless!