Reduce TENSION

When your body tells you are under stress it’s time to review your lifestyle. Think through the cause of your stress and if necessary, get professional help.

          It may be pressure at work, study pressures, marital or family difficulties, financial worries, accommodation problems, peer pressure or other reasons.

          Before you make any vital decisions go away for a break. Make the time to get your life back in perspective.  Review your lifestyle objectively.

Five of the best tips to reduce tension and worry 

* Make time to relax and do the things you enjoy doing

          Take up a hobby making things, collecting things, or do things you really enjoy. Join organisations such as music, drama or sports clubs.

* Keep healthy

          Make sure you have a well-balanced diet Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of safe water. Reduce your intake of fats, sugar, salt, alcohol and coffee.

          Have regular medical, dental and eyesight checks.

          Watch your weight and make sure you get enough sleep.

          Exercise regularly. If you are not an active sportsperson follow a sport or activity you enjoy. Walking and exploring your area can be good for you and give you a chance to think and to plan.

* Learn to say NO!

          Do it with grace. Maintain dignity and don’t be in a hurry to refuse or reject a proposal. Cite facts and figures and give good reasons for your final decision.

          Learn to decline when people ask you to take on extra duties. If you are in a senior position be prepared to delegate some responsibilities to people you trust. 

* Organise yourself better at study and work

          Plan your day allowing time for interruptions and thinking time. Don’t be too ambitious. Set yourself realistic goals.

          Make decisions quickly as soon as you have all the facts. Don’t procrastinate. Meet deadlines early so you have no last-minute panics.  

* Get your priorities right

          If you are unhappy at work, try to get a job you enjoy. Balance your lifestyle. Get yourself organised and learn to relax by doing the things you enjoy doing,  and don’t feel guilty about.  

          Reward yourself when you have done a job you are proud of.

-Geoffrey Moss (Mossassociates.co.nz)

“Moderation in all things” should be your motto.

Source: “Time-Savers”, Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and McGraw-Hill, Australia also as “Time Management Secrets” Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Available as an E-book from Amazon.com.