Dealing with Stress

For me, stress can come from many different sources and my ability to deal with it differs depending on how I feel.

The root cause is often task related. Stress builds if I don’t complete things according to plan and/or time-line. The amount of stress varies according to the importance of the task, although the definition of importance can be quite subjective. Stress, once incurred has to be addressed by dealing with the root cause. If the root cause cannot be dealt with then changing the plan objectives or the importance can help. Long term, I try to put in place measures to prevent the causes from emerging.

In the article 17 Unbeatable Ways to Create a Peaceful, Relaxed Workday, Zen Habits offers the following means to avoid and/or cope with stress:

1. Do less
2. Create a morning routine
3. Prepare the night before
4. Start the day with a relaxing shower or bath
5. Get in some morning exercise
6. Work when it’s quiet
7. Create a clutter-free environment
8. Turn off the distractions
9. Cut back on your commitments
10. Cut out meetings
11. Single-task
12. Take breaks and stretch
13. Go for a walk
14. Eat lunch in quiet
15. Do mini-meditations
16. Learn to focus on the present
17. Roll with the punches

I’ll add one more: while it’s OK to go shopping with you wife (she’s probably learnt your shopping habits), never go shopping with both your wife and daughter.