Productivity For Dummies

Chapter 6

Stress Management

In This Chapter

Recognising when you’re stressed

Figuring out what’s causing your stress

Finding ways to manage stress

Avoiding stress at work

Stress has so much to answer for. It’s responsible for marriage breakdowns, work failures and major illnesses. It’s a natural part of your life, yet if not managed it can take control of it. Regardless of the source of stress, all types of stress affect your performance, your ability to focus and your ability to get your work done. This chapter shows you how to identify, manage and defeat stress.

Recognising the Signs of Stress

Often, the signs of stress aren’t so obvious. Neck tension, headaches or irritability can all be seen as normal symptoms of everyday working life. However, these signs could be warning signals that something is wrong. Getting headaches daily or even weekly is a sign that something isn’t right in your body. Ignoring it or popping a pill will only push it back for so long. More serious symptoms such as depression, anxiety or insomnia should never be ignored; get expert advice if you experience ...