Are you Managing your Stress?
by Rosemarie I. Strawn, MBA

We all have lots of responsibilities that can cause us stress. Though we seem to hear more about stress management today, this issue was even mentioned in the bible:   “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you can not do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” -Luke12:25-26.

Effectively managing stress leads to benefits including a more relaxed, healthier and happier you. If you can effectively manage stress, you’ll be more productive and more helpful to others. Many of us, however, get caught up in the items listed below and have forgotten the importance of managing our stress.

Today’s common stressors:

1. Personal Problems

2. Pressure with Business, Job

3. Problems with Clients, Boss

4. Project Deadlines

5. Family Relationships

6. Obligations for Committees

7. Upcoming Holidays

8. Helplessness, Out-of-Control

As William James, one of the early pioneers of psychology noted, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

RELAX spells out directions to get on a more positive path that will lead you to the many benefits of being relaxed. Use the RELAX technique to manage your stress:

1. Rejuvenate often - spend quiet time to read, think and meditate

2. Exercise body, mind & spirit daily

3. Laugh out loud often, LOL

4. Attitude towards positive growth. Maya Angelou, who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, says “What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.” – change your attitude

5. Xerox your abilities to complete tasks - duplicate your efforts so you’re not doing it all the time; ask for help; develop systems to reduce your work; automate activities to simplify your work

Rate Your “Stress” Level

1. Do you do something funny while paying bills?

2. Do you smile while making business calls?

3. Do you ask for help?

4. Do you have cheerful things in your office?

5. Do you dance often?

6. Do you deep breathe daily?

7. Do you exercise physically daily?

8. Do you exercise mentally daily?

9. Do you exercise spiritually daily?

10. Do you enjoy quiet time alone?


Each Yes = 1 Each No = 0

8-10 = extremely relaxed

6-7 = very relaxed

4-5 = relaxed

under4 = need training/coaching

Total your points to get a baseline of where you are now. This will give you an idea of where you could use some improvement.

There is no real trick to Stress Management, there is only practice. I challenge you to Pick One thing from this article to work on for your personal development. Pick One Thing. What will you work on to improve your Stress Management skills? As you work on one thing at a time, you too will become more relaxed and better at managing your stress! Don’t delay! Manage your stress today and increase the productivity and fun in your life!

Rosemarie I. Strawn, MBA, Owner of Positive Actions, is a Motivational Speaker and Trainer. She can be reached at 732.394.0406. Known as the “Productivity-Morale Booster,” Positive Actions motivates teams to boost productivity and morale through customized training solutions and timely follow-up that enhance business objectives. Check out the the Ezine on Productivity Improvement available at www.positiveactions.com.