Ways to keep the stress at bay

As you mark the dawn of 2017, consider putting these techniques in motion to help manage the stress that comes with juggling work and life: Learn to say no. Slow down, walk slower, speak slower. Put the brakes on. Get enough sleep. Don’t go to bed in a state of emotional turmoil. Offer to help. It’s hard to worry about yourself when you’re serving others. Do mundane and difficult tasks first. Do one thing at a time. Laugh and have fun. Don’t take life so seriously. Give thanks daily. Have a thankful heart and, please, stop complaining. Engage in some physical activity. Choose your friends wisely. Three will do. Do not procrastinate. Stop comparing your bank account to the Joneses. Always do what is right. No lying, no lame excuses. That’s integrity. When a problem arises, talk through it immediately. Commit to start meetings on time. Commit to end meetings on time. Listen to other people without a need for rebuttal or to win your point. Be willing to compromise. You don’t always have to have your way. Don’t play the blame game. Take responsibility for your own actions. Don’t let your reactions to stressors be worse than the stress itself. Get rid of the clutter on your desk. Get rid of the clutter in your mind. Get rid of performance reviews. Talk to employees about goals year-round. Turn off your phone after 9 p.m. Stop accumulating material possessions. Remember that some things are beyond your control. So stop obsessing. Yelling does not help to understand what your problem is. Find a way to release your emotions. Don’t internalize. Look for ways in which you can demonstrate kindness.