STRESS is a six-letter word, yet its effect on an organization is six-fold more than any other problem.
How do you manage stress? Are you a stress eater, or are you an emotional undereater?
It’s a frequently asked question and one of the most popular topics in self-development.
Emotional eating is a reality. Stress eating happens when you eat or overeat in response to negative emotions. For some people, eating is a way of coping. The opposite of this is an emotional undereater.
Each of us handles stress differently. Some people manage exceptionally well. As the late Senator Santiago would say, “I eat death threats for breakfast.”
When faced with a nerve-wracking situation, count from one to ten before reacting. This method cools down our system and enables a more rational response. Stress balls can also be quite handy.
There are companies, particularly those in call centers, that provide their employees with decompression rooms.
I once saw a decompression room where they had a TV, Wi-Fi, coffee, a couch, and a La-Z-Boy or bean bag. It’s your go-to room when things get tough. It calms your nerves and your mind.
One Telco provided its hotline employees with free back massages during office hours. It happened when the Telco experienced an influx of calls arising from network issues. Imagine getting a back massage while dealing with a furious customer on the phone. Sounds relaxing, right?
It’s easy to tell someone, “Don't let stress get to you.” However, each person is wired differently and reacts differently. What may appear overwhelming to you may be just a walk in the park to someone else.
When you notice a colleague who seems to be under the weather, sit down and be a good listener. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to listen, and all is well again.
It’s surprising how much a listening ear does wonders for one’s spirit. Be considerate to those who found the time and courage to open up to you. Not everyone is approachable enough to share their feelings. Be grateful for that opportunity.
Taking time out is also an effective way of relieving stress. Take time out from work or household responsibilities. We all need to unwind. It doesn’t have to be for days or extravagant. Even an hour away makes a significant difference.
A stress-free life is not possible. It will always be there. The moment you sense it, even if it’s just a speck, deal with it. It is better to manage it now before it becomes mammoth in size.
