Overcoming STRESS & WORRY

Learn to relax,  it can add years to your life.

            Stress is usually caused by worry, due to work pressure, personality conflicts,  by worries such as money problems, family problems or worrying about your health.

             First, you must recognise you have a problem before you can take steps to reduce it. 

            See if you can reorganise your life to reduce your stress levels. Go somewhere quiet and give thought to some of these tips. Try to list various alternatives and select your best choice. Consult someone you trust.

A handful of tips to help reduce your stress and worry

* Get Organised

            Your scarcest resource is your time so ration it.              

            Prioritise your more important tasks.

            Learn to say;  “Sorry I am too busy right now.”       

            Learn the art of delegation. Top jobs go to skilled delegators.

            If possible, plan tomorrow’s tasks today. Try to switch off when you stop work. Turn off your cell phone.

            Plan relaxation times with family and friends. Enjoy music, books and take up a new hobby.  

           If you need to work from home make the most of your bonus time. You don’t have to travel to work. Use this time to clean out the house, your draws, and do some gardening. There are many tasks you have been meaning to do but not got around to it. 

* Make decisions quickly

            As soon as you have the facts act. Meet deadlines as soon as possible. Get things done fast.

            The longer you procrastinate the harder a job becomes and the more you worry about it.

* Learn to take breaks

            If you are working for long periods or engaged in concentrated mental activities, learn to take short breaks at regular intervals.       

            To sleep well at night you need to be physically tired. After work exercise. Swimming and walking are good and cheap ways to relax. Try walking upstairs. You don’t have to go to a gym to maintain fitness.

            Do you remember the old proverb? “Early to bed, early to rise makes a person, healthy, wealthy and wise.”

* Watch your health

            If you don’t look after your body no one else will. Be aware of what your body is telling you. Have regular medical checks if this is possible, maintain good dental and eye care.  Watch your weight.

            Eat good wholesome foods and try to maintain a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  

            Don’t take too many pills and restrict your intake of coffee and alcoholic drinks. Keep away from drugs and tobacco.

* Reward yourself

            When you have done a good job reward yourself.  Have a break. Enjoy a good book and play the music you enjoy.     

            Consider taking up an enjoyable hobby like painting, playing music, gardening or learning a new skill online.

           These days socialising is best carried out online.

            Above all, work hard but have fun. Know how to switch off to relax and enjoy life.

–Geoffrey Moss

“Moderation in all things will reduce your stress.”

SOURCE: “Secrets for Success. This book could change your life”. First published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and by Cengage Learning Asia. Also available as a hard copy and as an e-book from Amazon.com.