The Redux Series (2): Stress Management

1. Include more physical and less sedentary activity in your day: walk, swim, cycle. Simply take the stairs or walk to a further water cooler.
2. Drop and let go of some stuff to allow more space and some buffers into your day. Micro-scheduling may work on your iPhone calendar but it rarely works in real time.
3. Drink more water. Stretch more (for oxygen). Eat regular meals.
4. Especially if very stressed, have less: caffeine, alcohol, junk food.
5. Collect helpful quotes: e.g. “this too will pass”. Keep them close for tough times.
6. Stay grounded. Get out into nature often.
7. Have proper* days off.
8. Take a proper* holiday.
9. *Proper=Blackberry free: stop addictive e-mail checking activity.
10. Learn how to say NO. Because you simply cannot do everything. And when you work  long hours you steal from the rest of your Life. Or your children. Or both.
11. Write down what success is for you. Get absolutely clear. Does it align with what you are doing? No? No wonder you are stressed. Adjust.
12. Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is just cheap, very cheap torture.
13. Discover novels and escape.
14. Discover non-fiction for inspiration.
15. Decide to be effective not just efficient: you are not a machine.
16. Go home on time.
17. Watch less TV and talk more.
18. Do more cooking or dancing or yoga or tai chi or gardening or…
19. Notice what’s working.
20. Take it day by day.