Managing Stress to Enhance Performance

Stress is our response to any situation we find challenging, frightening, or difficult. It is what our body or mind experiences as we adjust to our continually changing environment.

All of us know how it feels like to be physically exhausted and mentally tired.

A small amount of stress is useful; it increases interest and motivation.

However, when the changes and challenges become too great and influence our lives adversely over a period of time they can lead to physical or emotional breakdown.

Sources of Stress

Environmental:

• Noise, crowding
• Cluttered Space
• Heights
• Confined spaces

• Relationship problems
• Work relationships
• Crowds, parties, strangers
• Unreliable or moody people

• Rules, regulations
• Restrictions, bureaucracy
• Meetings, formalities
• Office politics

• Getting married
• Moving to a new house
• Having a child
• Promotion or job loss

• Rush-hour traffic
• Misplacing things
• Being put on hold on the telephone
• Searching for a parking spot

• Work off stress with physical activity
• Practice yoga daily
• Get enough sleep and rest to recharge your batteries
• Avoid interpersonal conflicts
• Learn to accept what you cannot change
• Eliminate clutter from your life
• Develop a positive attitude
• Improve your listening skills
• Relax with some music occasionally
• Manage your time effectively

 Author: Nikhil Desai
Nikhil is an international speaker, motivator and trainer who has appeared on many television and radio shows at over 45 cities.

He will be in Singapore to present these workshops for 2009.

This article was reproduced with permission from ST Training Solutions website, www.shirleytaylortraining.com.
The author regularly conducts workshops in Singapore organised by ST Training Solutions Pte Ltd.