While now is probably not the most stressful time of year for you, we’re guessing that business will pick up in the fall and, come the holidays, you’ll be overwhelmed and inundated with stress. And instead of scrambling to survive the stressful time, it’s best if you already have a few stress-busting strategies with which you can meet this anxiety-ridden season head-on.
Here are ten tips to file away for later:
1. Recognize stress
Before you can adequately manage your stress, you must first learn to recognize how your body responds to stress. Only then will you be able to take the necessary steps to reduce or maybe eliminate the anxiety that accompanies it.
2. Practice relaxation techniques
When you practice relaxation techniques can help reduce stress. Consider practicing deep breathing, meditating, listening to soothing music, or using imaging techniques to visualize a more relaxed response.
3. Get enough sleep
Often we become so overwhelmed with stress that we neglect our health, and sickness only causes more stress in the end. One way to prevent illness is by getting enough sleep. This also enables you to be mentally prepared for all the work that awaits you in the morning; lack of sleep only makes you less efficient.
4. Set priorities
Generally stress is the result of being overwhelmed. When you have lots of work to be done in little time, the best way to manage projects is by prioritizing them. Then you at least have a plan of attack; you know what needs to be tackled and when.
5. Let the small stuff slide
Now that you’ve prioritized your projects you can determine what you can and should let go. When dealing with stress overload, you need to be able to focus on what matters and put the rest on hold.
6. Think positive
Often you can think away your stress. When you change your thought patterns and continually repeat positive affirmations, like “I have plenty of time to fulfill all my work obligations” or “I am feeling calm and relaxed,” you increase your capacity to manage difficult situations.
7. Sweat it away
Exercise is one of the best stress relievers. You may feel you can’t afford the time required to actually get your heart rate going, but you’ll find that taking the time buys you more energy and endurance in the end.
8. Minimize work-environment stress
A messy or tense work environment often invites more stress into your life. When you minimize workplace stressors, you will be better equipped to handle the stressors that truly matter. So take the extra time to clean your office, reorganize your space, or create a more soothing environment.
9. Do not self-medicate
When you feel overwhelmed it can be tempting to reduce stress by drinking alcohol or finding an anxiety-reducing medication that you think will help. Unless prescribed by a doctor, these methods will only increase your chances of encountering more stressors later.
10. Build a support network
Often the best help for stress is being surrounded by a network that understands your struggles and can offer you emotional support. You can find this network with professional peers or even your family.
The better equipped you are to deal with stress, the less anxiety you will feel when you encounter stressful times or situations.Visit Universal Accounting Center (UAC)If you were wondering what, exactly, UAC offers, visit our website and take an electronic tour. You’ll learn more about our programs, our products, and other services we offer. Don’t wait to find out how UAC could change your professional future. Take a tour today!
