The current economic situation, the extra effort it demands and all the talk around it, is very likely to make us feel stressed. However unless we manage the stress we can be caught in a downward spiral, and do damage to ourselves and transmit it to family, friends and colleagues.

Here are a few simple steps to manage stress.

1. See the opportuntity
Throughout any crisis there are those who prosper. View the present situation as an opportunity to focus on the vision and adapt to emerge stronger than before.

2. Stay Upbeat
Attitude is a choice. Your choice. A positive attitude will create more opportunities, fill you with energy and make you feel good. A negative attitude will close opportunities and leave you tired and low.

3. Master Stress by Focusing on the Big Picture
During chaotic and challenging times, you will be pulled into activities and tasks that are not important to the overall big picture.  You will wonder “Where did the time go?” or “Why didn’t I accomplish what I needed to do today?”  These small or unimportant tasks create a stressed state of mind.  Prioritise each and every day so that you maximise your time. Make sure you have a reliable time management tool, such as Outlook, to keep you on track.

4. Master Stress by Managing Your Work Style
Do you like to have piles of paper on your desk and jump from pile to pile without accomplishing much? Do you allow too many  distractions into your day? 

Take the piles of paper off your desk and put them out of sight.  If you are easily distracted, turn off the Outlook e-mail notification bell, turn your desk so that it doesn’t face the door, and control when and where you are willing to have conversations. 

5. Master Stress by Living a Healthy Lifestyle
When we are faced with challenges, we tend to go for “comfort” food.  Comfort food makes us feel good but isn’t nutritious.  These foods can be counterproductive, actually increasing our stress levels.  Take fresh fruit, and  carrot sticks to work.
Make it a part of your healthy lifestyle program to exercise regularly.  It can be as simple as taking a walk around your neighbourhood.

Follow these five powerful stress management secrets and you will be able to make stress work for you in challenging situations.