Handling Pressure

Although stress itself can't kill you, the health problems it causes can. Stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, ulcers and any number of other stress-related illnesses. For the sake of your health, it's important to know ways of handling pressure.

How to recognize stress

Some sure signs that you're suffering from stress is physical or mental exhaustion, irritability, insomnia, lack of appetite, frequent nausea, blocked bowels, turning to alcohol and drugs or tearful, emotional outbursts for no reason.

The logical solution

The most logical solution is to avoid stress and situations that put you under pressure. Unfortunately, in today's society stress is a part of life. However, there are ways that you can handle pressure.

Time management

How you handle your time is often a key factor.

• Whether you're an employee or you work for yourself, if your workload is more than you can handle, speak up and ask for help.
• If your workload is manageable, don't procrastinate about getting it done. You might think you have plenty of time, but unforeseen roadblocks have a way of happening along the way.
• If you have a time schedule, stick to it. There's nothing wrong with taking a break once in a while, but when the breaks lasts longer than work time, pressure will build when you try to catch up.

Handling tasks

How you handle your workload can mean the difference between stress and peace of mind.

• Don't be a perfectionist. Accept your own shortcomings and those of others.
• Don't feel overwhelmed when you see multiple projects.
• Learn to prioritize and take it step by step.
• Handle the small things first to get them out of your mind so you can concentrate on more complex issues.

Look after your health

Self-medication or turning to alcohol to relax or handle pressure might offer temporary relief, but this habit will affect you in a negative way in the end. While a glass of wine can help you relax, seeking relief in a bottle might lead to more stress. Look after your diet by eating healthy and try to get enough sleep. If you suffer from insomnia, check with your doctor to eliminate any underlying health issues of which you are unaware.

Relaxation techniques

An effective way of handling pressure is learning how to relax. Yoga, meditation and breathing techniques are very effective ways of handling pressure. If you can't fit in a yoga class or you can't find a quiet spot to meditate, take a break from work and go for a walk. The exercise and fresh air will rejuvenate you physically and mentally. Curl up with a good book as another refreshing distraction.

Spare time activities

Instead of spending hours in front of your television after work, relax your mind through physical activities. Go to the gym and take a spinning class, go a few rounds with a punching bag or join an aerobics class. The effort of physical exercise combined with the required concentration will help you forget all about your problems. If you're not a fan of the gym, go jogging, cycling or swim a few relaxing laps in a pool.

Examine your lifestyle and how you handle your workload. When stress begins to affect your health, make adjustments and seek help.