SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
NEWS There are many causes of stress, but as
Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster, says: ‘In life, there’s always a solution to a problem but not taking control of the situation and doing nothing will only make your problems worse.’ Writing on the NHS website Your health, your choices, Cooper says the keys to stress management are: building emotional strength; taking control of the situation; having a social network; and adopting a positive outlook. He suggests 10 stress-busting measures:
your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you’re feeling, clear your thoughts and enable you to deal with your problems more calmly.
1
Take control However diffi cult your problem, there’s always a solution. ‘If you remain passive, thinking: “I can’t do anything about my problem,” your stress will get worse,’ says Cooper.
Connect with people A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way. Being around a group of friends will help you relax and laugh – an excellent stress reliever.
2 3
that people aren’t spending enough time doing things they really enjoy. Set aside time in the week for some quality ‘me time’.
Challenge yourself Setting goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, helps to build confi dence.
4 5
Have some ‘me time’ The UK has the longest working hours in Europe. The extra hours in the workplace mean
Be active Exercise can get you in the right state of mind to be able to identify the causes of your stress. It won’t make
RECOGNISING STRESS
You are feeling: Irritable; Anxious; Low in self esteem; and Low in mood.
You have: Racing thoughts; Constant worry; Bad images; and Thoughts about perceived problems.
Your body - you may be
Your behaviour: Temper outbursts; Drinking and smoking more; Talking more or faster; Changed eating habits; Unsociable; Forgetful or clumsy; Unreasonable; and Unable to concentrate.
suffering: Headaches; Muscle tension; Stomach problems; Sweating; Dizziness; Bowel/bladder problems; Dry mouth; and Sexual problems.
Avoid unhealthy habits Don’t rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping. This is avoidance behaviour and over the long term they will create more problems than they solve.
6 7
Do volunteer work Evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, become more resilient. Observing the problems others face will help you put your own situation into perspective.
8
Work smarter, not harder Good time management means quality work. Concentrate on the tasks that will make
a real difference. ‘Leave the least important tasks to last,’ says Cooper. ‘Don’t expect your in-tray to be empty at the end of the day.’
9
Be positive Look for the positives in life, and things for which you’re grateful. This requires a shift in perspective for those who are more naturally pessimistic and may be a diffi cult state to achieve, but Cooper says it can be done: ‘If you change your perspective, you may see your situation from a more positive point of view.’
possible. If this turns out to be the case, recognise and accept things as they are and concentrate on all the things that you do have control over. ‘There’s no point fi ghting it,’ says Cooper. ‘In a diffi cult situation, you need to make sure you focus on the things that you can control.’
10
Accept the things you can’t change Changing a diffi cult situation isn’t always
www.britishparking.co.uk
JULY 2012
27
Carlos A. Oliveras/
www.shutterstock.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52