How do you deal with stress during the day?

Weekend, week day, early morning, late afternoon...sometimes it just doesn't matter WHAT day or time it is: Stressors get the best of us.

The past 9 days have been challenging for me - personally, and professionally. The one constant throughout the entire time: my levels of stress have gone up, and have gone down.

I wanted to write about a few of the things I do when the going gets tough (because, as we all know, even if we're stressed out, we still need to get things done!)

1) Give myself plenty of time. When a client asks me for a proposal, or I promise to get information to someone, I usually add 24-72 hours to the time-frame I offer. So, when someone asks for a proposal "next week," I usually promise to have it in their e-mail inbox by Thursday. (In my mind, I know I want to send it over Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning). This gives me the time I "might" need in case something else shows up.

2) Ask for assistance. A few jobs ago, I found myself working over time (and over budget) because I thought I had to go at it all alone. I have since learned that in almost every endeavor I engage in, there is SOMEone nearby who has walked that path, experienced those lessons, or succeeded over time in those efforts. These are the people I invite to lunch (or coffee) and learn what I can.

3) Just Say No. Going to school in the '70's, I remember this campaign that seemed to have been led by Nancy Reagan. Well, now-a-days, this advice seems even more apropos. It's amazing how many requests, ideas, possibilities, and opportunities come our way in just one week. In the past month, I've had to say no to some writing projects, magazine subscriptions, speaking engagements, coaching opportunities; not because they weren't good opportunities, or I didn't want to do them...I had to say no because I had a "little too much" on my plate.

4) Focus - for a moment or two every day - on the next vacation. Quick, what day to leave for your next vacation? If you don't know (or, you haven't scheduled it) take out a pen and paper write now. Write down a list of things you'd like to do, people you'd like to see, places you'd like to visit, and books/magazines you'd like to read "if you had some free time." Ever since teaching high school in the '90's I always felt that I wanted to get away TO vacation, not get away FROM work. Vacation always gives me the energy I need to continue to focus on the other things.

5) Drink water, walk around the block, eat a min-snack and do some light stretching. It's amazing how much better my days go when I remember THOSE things...

Comments

[Matthew Cornell]

Great tips, Jason. Related to your point 1: I always try to plan enough time so that I arrive for appointments (including travel) *early*. For me, allocating just enough time to get there is a major stressor. It takes all the fun out of the journey, and kills my ability to appreciate and see beauty.