Stress is a Driving Force to Solve Issues

Stress can be used as a driving force to solve any issue at hand. A lot depends on the way in which one perceives stress. Stress should be understood as a sign to prepare oneself to solve an existing problem so that it does not become a crisis later. It’s a clock's alarm; it should not be interpreted as a fire brigade's siren.

Here are a few tips to de-stress yourself.

■ Prioritise your work: If not on paper, set priority as per the urgency in your head. Two things to keep in mind while prioritising are— deadlines if any and your capacity to complete each task. If you are not working in a strictly formal setting then avoid comparing your speed with others. Every one has his/her own pace. Avoid planning things at night; it could give you sleepless nights. Rising a little early to make the priority list would be preferable.

Effect: Prioritising helps to keep at bay less urgent tasks and you feel sorted and less weighed down, instantly.

■ Remember, there are alternatives: In practice, you may choose the best goal to strive for or the best means to go about it. However, when the situation so demands, remember that there are always alternative ways to compensate for what you are not able to fulfill. It may be less satisfactory or less appropriate in your own opinion and in the mind of the other but nonetheless it is the second best possibility and may turn out to be the best in the long run. Console yourself when you fail and find out alternatives; there is always a way out.

Effect: Thinking alternative ways helps you minimise stress over failure.

■ Keep panic on hold: When panicky, remind yourself that the worse has already happened so what at the most you can do is to reduce the damage. Certainly panic leads to exaggerated panic. So yell, if you may, but later. For the moment, act to minimise the damage to yourself, people or property.

Effect: Keeping your calm saves at least a penny if not a treasure.

■  Be flexibile: Be flexible to switch between assertiveness, withdrawal, and compromise. Be assertive when you know that your demand/goal is realistic and reachable. If you reach a deadlock in a certain situation, settle for a compromise. Negotiate willingly and determine that you would not regret it later. When stress seemingly overruns/overpowers you, take no shame in withdrawing. Adopt the ‘grapes are sour’ attitude.

Effect: Flexibility is the master key to de-stress. It will unlock many doors.