Christmas is getting even closer. The Christmas decorations are in the streets and shops, and you feel tension rising inside. So what it is that makes you calmer? We had a look on how to avoid the stressors. Unfortunately we can’t avoid each of them. So there’s another tip on how to handle the stress and stressful situations, and alter them.

Take a time to analyse the situations that bring tension and stress and try to change them for the better.

Express your feelings. If something or someone is bothering you, express your concerns. Remember to use “I” statements, as in, “I feel frustrated by shorter, heavier workloads. Is there something we can do to balance things out?”
Ask others to change their behaviour, but also be ready to change yours if asked to do so. Solving problems once they occur can prevent them from growing into a big conflict. If you and your counterpart are willing to step back from your positions a little, it is likely you will find the middle ground easier to accept for the both of you.
Manage your time better. Group together similar tasks – phone calls, computer-related tasks, car errands etc. This will increase your efficiency and award you with some extra time.
State your limits. Instead of letting yourself get nervous at the thought of being locked in a conversation with a chatty colleague, politely start the conversation with “I’ve only got five minutes to cover this.”
Do you feel that there’s something missing, and that avoiding and altering are still not the cures for your situation? We’ll have a look at other tools next time.