Managing your own stress

You have a number of apprentices working for you and while some are doing well, others are challenging. In addition to managing your apprentices, you’ve got your own work to do, a business to run and family to feed, all which leaves little time for yourself. When we feel like the demands we have on us, are greater than the resources we have to cope with them, we feel stressed. These days, with our increasing job demands, combined with the reality of life it’s easy to feel stressed if we don’t look after ourselves.

5 tips to manage our stress levels

1. Focus on things within your controlOne of the biggest reasons people stress is because they worry about things outside of their control. They worry about ‘what ifs’ or ‘uncertainties’. Whether we spend hours worrying out something that could happen or no time at all worrying about it, the end result remains the same. One way to reduce your worry is ask yourself “what can I actually do about this?” If you can’t do anything about it, there’s no point worrying.
2. Avoid catastrophisingFor some reason people easily fall into the trap of catastrophising things. To reduce your stress, ask yourself “realistically, what’s the worst that could happen”. Usually, this isn’t even that bad.
3. Reframe it:When we are stressed and angry we view things in a way that narrows our coping mechanisms. Next time you feel stressed, try reframing it. Ask yourself, ‘how else could I view this situation’ or ‘how might someone else see it’. Often when we reframe things from a different lense, we immediately put it in perspective and reduce our stress levels.
4. Take a breakIt’s impossible to work productively without taking time out to recharge. When we’re tired, run down or over worked we become stressed more easily. Make an effort to take time out to recharge, it will benefit you and everyone around you.
5. ExerciseA little bit of exercise goes a long way. There are now years of scientific research concluding that even a small amount of gentle exercise can reduce stress. So whether it’s walking or wind surfing, make time to be active. You’ll not only feel great physically, but mentally you’ll achieve more and stress less.