_________________________________________

TIPS TO BEAT STRESS AT WORK

_________________________________________

Your computer hangs for the umpteenth time today, your boss tells you that you had better shape up or ship out, your in-tray is so full that it looks like a compost heap, your phone keeps ringing and your report is overdue… Does this sound familiar? Most people would agree that their job gives them a lot of stress.

At work, as in life, there are many things that we cannot control. "While some stress is a normal part of work life and moderate amounts of stress can be stimulating, excessive stress can interfere with productivity, and affect your physical and emotional health. The better you are at managing your own stress, the better you will perform at your job," says Dr Fong Yuke Tien, senior consultant and director of Occupational Medicine at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

Try some of our suggestions to beat stress at work:

See the big picture
Ask your boss what are your key deliverables. Be clear about your job objectives and how you can add value to your department. Don't get bogged down by your various tasks, but prioritize and do one task at a time.

Take time out
Have a relaxing chat with your colleague or friend, have a stretch at the photocopy machine or pop downstairs to buy a snack. Getting a breath of fresh air will help you to cool off your feelings of stress, anger or irritation.

Don't smoke or eat to de-stress
"Nicotine is a powerful stimulant which can lead to higher, not lower, levels of anxiety. Coffee contains caffeine which can raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also has a mild addictive effect. To relax your mind, drink less coffee," says Fong.

Stress may also make you reach for junk food, such as potato chips or doughnuts which are high caloric snacks. Stock up your work desk with healthy alternatives, such as:

• Soy chips
• Small packets of nuts and dried fruits like raisins
• Whole wheat crackers
• Fruits and vegetables

Escape for an instant
Think of one instance in your life when you were happy and relaxed. Hold that image in your mind for at least one minute. Keep a postcard or cut-out image of your favorite landscape on your wall.

Don't be a hero
If you over-commit by taking on too many projects with unrealistic deadlines, you will not only lose credibility at work but you will also stress yourself out unnecessarily. If you can delegate or share the responsibility for some projects, go ahead.

Get enough rest
Give your body the sleep it needs: at least seven to nine hours a night. Your stress levels will drop when you are well rested and you will be able to take on your job challenges with more composure.

Don't be so hard on yourself
Much of our stress is self-imposed. Most of us set targets regarding desired salaries or positions on the corporate ladder. When we don't achieve our targets, we get stressed and depressed. Recognize that success is in the eye of the beholder, and that ambitions take time, opportunity and, often, luck to materialize. Don't take yourself too seriously.